By Admin 
The political turmoil has intensified due to US President Donald Trump’s claim on Greenland and threat to impose tariffs on European countries. Many big American leaders have strongly criticized this policy of Trump. It has been described as dangerous for America’s reputation, economic interests and NATO alliance. Also, recent surveys have shown that Trump’s ambition is getting very little support among the American public. European countries have begun sending troops to defend Greenland, further increasing tensions in trans-Atlantic relations.
American leaders strongly criticized Trump
Trump’s policy has drawn strong reactions in American political circles. Democrats and some Republican leaders have called it ‘madness’ and ‘stupid’…
- Senator Mark Kelly: He wrote X, ‘Troops from European countries are arriving in Greenland to save it from America. Think about it. And now Trump is imposing tariffs on our allies, which will make you pay more money so they can get space we don’t need. The President is damaging our reputation and relationships, making us insecure. If nothing changes, we will be left alone, surrounded by enemies on every side. Republicans in Congress should stand against Trump.
- Bernie Sanders: He said, ‘Trump is increasing tariffs on 8 NATO allies because they are rightly supporting Denmark’s independence for Greenland. Breaking our closest alliances to acquire Greenland, where Denmark already gives us free use, is madness. Congress should say NO.
- Senator Thom Tillis: Criticizing the Republican senator, he wrote, ‘Sending a small number of troops for training in Greenland is a bad reaction for America, American business and American allies. This is good for Putin, Xi and other enemies who want to see NATO divided. This hurts President Trump’s legacy and weakens his years of work to strengthen NATO.
- Senator Patty Murray: He appealed to his Republican colleagues, ‘Enough is enough. The Senate must vote to block these tariffs and prevent the use of military force on Greenland. Trump is tearing apart our alliances in real time. The economic and diplomatic consequences will be catastrophic.
- John Bolton, former NSA: He said, ‘I have long said that a secure Greenland is critical for the West. But Trump’s latest bizarre outburst with tariff threats against allies in exchange for Greenland will make security and stability in the Arctic very difficult.
These statements show that Trump’s policies are being criticized beyond party lines. Many leaders have demanded Congress to block tariffs and military action, so that there are no cracks in NATO and enemy powers like Russia and China do not take advantage.
American people are against Trump
Recent surveys by Reuters and Ipsos have shown that Trump’s intention to occupy Greenland is getting very little support from the American public. Only 17% of Americans have supported Trump’s claim, that is, even 1 in 5 Americans do not completely agree. Only 1 in 10 Americans want the US to take military action against Greenland. Most Americans, whether Republican or Democrat, are against military intervention and the use of force.
The survey shows huge domestic disagreements, with people rejecting Trump’s diplomatic wishes. This survey was conducted a week after the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. It is clear from this that Trump’s plan is not getting strong backing at the domestic level.
European countries deployed troops
European countries have supported Greenland’s independence and are preparing to increase NATO’s large and permanent presence under Denmark’s plan. On January 15, 2026, European countries sent a small number of troops (37-38 soldiers) to Greenland, the reason for which was said to be training and defense. France has said not to be afraid of Trump’s threats. Thousands of people protested in Greenland’s capital Nuuk and Denmark’s Copenhagen, where slogans like ‘Hands off Greenland’ were raised.
What is Trump’s plan and threat?
Trump has been talking for a long time about including Greenland in America or completely controlling it. He has described it as necessary for American national and global security. Recently, a high-stakes meeting was held between officials of America, Denmark and Greenland, where Trump reiterated his desire and said that ‘some solution will be found.’
Trump claims that Greenland is important for Arctic resources and strategic bases, where there is competition from powers like Russia and China. But Denmark (under which Greenland belongs) and the leaders of Greenland are rejecting it outright. Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Fredrik Nielsen has said that the territory will not become part of the US ‘under any circumstances’. This decision will be taken only by the local people of Denmark and Greenland.
Trump has announced to impose 10% additional tariff on 8 NATO allies (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Britain, Netherlands and Finland) who disagree on the Greenland issue from February 1, which can increase up to 25% by June. Trump has also not ruled out the use of military force. The White House said that the deployment of European troops will not affect their decision.
This dispute is increasing US-Europe tension, due to which there is a danger of economic war. NATO’s solidarity may weaken and attention may get distracted from issues like the Ukraine war. Experts believe that this is tarnishing America’s global image. Denmark and Greenland are insisting on following international law and respecting local wishes.