The idea stunned allies—and alarmed lawmakers.
On Sunday, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent declared that Europe’s “weakness” makes US control of Greenland necessary for global stability, thrusting the Arctic territory back into the center of an intensifying geopolitical storm.
Speaking on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Bessent framed Greenland as a critical piece on the world’s chessboard—one the United States cannot afford to lose to Russia or China.
“We are the strongest country in the world,” Bessent said bluntly.
“Europeans project weakness. The US projects strength.”
His comments came just one day after President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on European Union countries that oppose a US takeover of Greenland—including Denmark, a long-time American ally that currently controls the territory.
Despite rising tension, Bessent sounded confident that Europe would eventually fall in line.
“I believe the Europeans will understand,” he said.
“That this is best for Greenland, best for Europe, and best for the United States.”
But not everyone is convinced.
Questions quickly surfaced over whether Trump might use emergency powers—or even force—to justify taking Greenland. Bessent said he had not recently discussed the issue with the president.
That answer didn’t sit well with Senator Rand Paul, a Republican from Kentucky and chair of the Senate Homeland Security Committee.
Calling the idea “ridiculous,” Paul pushed back hard.
“There is no emergency in Greenland,” he said.
“So now we’re declaring emergencies to prevent emergencies?”
As debate spread across Capitol Hill, opposition to Trump’s Greenland push grew—and it came from both parties.
Senator Tim Kaine, a Democrat from Virginia, said Congress could move to limit the president’s authority through war powers legislation or challenge his use of tariffs.
Republican Representative Mike Turner of Ohio warned that the strategy could seriously damage US relationships with NATO allies.
“This is not ‘The Art of the Deal,’” Turner said on CBS’ “Face the Nation.”
“This is more like ‘The Dating Game.’”
Others, however, defended Trump’s approach.
Senator John Cornyn of Texas described the tariff threat as a familiar negotiating tactic.
“Sometimes he uses language that grabs attention,” Cornyn said.
“But I think there’s ultimately a deal to be made.”
Behind the political arguments lies another reality—Greenland’s vast natural resources.
Some lawmakers openly acknowledged that minerals and economic gains may be driving the interest.
Senator Ted Cruz, also from Texas, called Greenland’s resources and strategic location “enormous economic benefits.”
“It is overwhelmingly in the US interest to acquire Greenland,” he said.
But Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland sharply disagreed, accusing Trump of misleading the public.
“The president is lying to the American people when he says this is about security,” Van Hollen said on ABC’s “This Week.”
“He cares about the resources. That’s it.”
As Washington debates power, strength, and strategy, one thing is clear:
Greenland is no longer just a remote Arctic landmass.
It has become a symbol—of global rivalry, political division, and a world where even long-standing alliances are being tested.
