A bipartisan delegation of United States lawmakers is set to visit Denmark this week amid escalating tensions over President Donald Trump’s repeated threats to take control of Greenland, an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark, officials said Tuesday.
Read More: Trump says US needs to own Greenland to deter Russia, China
The group will be led by Democratic Senator Chris Coons and also include Republican Senator Thom Tillis, Democratic Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Dick Durbin, along with members of the House of Representatives. The lawmakers are scheduled to be in Copenhagen on Friday and Saturday for talks.
U.S. lawmakers to visit Denmark as Trump continues to threaten Greenlandhttps://t.co/mdYRwab11e pic.twitter.com/sxdvl4XCr3
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) January 13, 2026
The planned visit comes as Trump continues to push the controversial idea that the United States should “own” Greenland to enhance national security and prevent influence by China or Russia — comments that have alarmed allies. Trump has told audiences that the U.S. must secure Greenland “one way or the other,” even suggesting force could be an option, and has proposed legislation that would authorize annexation, although another congressional bill seeks to block funding for such plans.
Greenland and Denmark have firmly rejected any notion of a U.S. takeover, with the Greenland government saying it cannot accept such a move “under any circumstance,” stressing its autonomous status and alignment within NATO. European and NATO allies, including France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the UK, have publicly supported Copenhagen and Greenland against U.S. pressure, emphasizing that defence of the territory must remain within the alliance framework.
Read More: Trump orders US military to draft Greenland invasion plan
The congressional visit aims to reaffirm long-standing U.S.-Denmark ties and respect for sovereignty, even as Trump’s rhetoric raises diplomatic concerns. U.S. lawmakers say the trip will reinforce unity with Denmark and demonstrate Congress’s commitment to alliance stability, countering the perception of unilateral action. Meetings are expected with high-level Danish and Greenlandic officials and business leaders to discuss cooperation and address strategic Arctic issues.