Trump’s push to acquire Greenland has caused a schism among Republican lawmakers, with senators clashing over sovereignty and the president threatening tariffs on NATO allies who oppose his plans
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The president’s fixation on acquiring Greenland has sparked a divide among leading Republican lawmakers, with tensions escalating rapidly.
At an annual summit in Munich on Saturday, North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis expressed his annoyance over remarks made by Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, who downplayed Greenland’s sovereignty. On Friday, Graham dismissively stated, “Who gives a s*** who owns Greenland? I don’t.”
In response at the conference on Saturday, Tillis indirectly addressed Graham, saying, “Who gives a s*** about who owns Greenland? The 85,000 indigenous people in Greenland give a shit about who owns Greenland.” He further added, “And at the end of the day, we need to show respect.”
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These heated exchanges highlight the division within Congress and the Republican Party regarding Trump’s ambition to annex the territory. Trump had previously threatened to use force to seize the Danish territory, a statement that has caused significant tension with European nations and other allies.
A text conversation from January between Trump and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre revealed Trump stating, “I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace” amid rising tensions over Greenland.

Senator Thom Tillis indirectly addressed Graham’s shocking comments on Greenland(Image: Getty Images)
“The World is not secure unless we have Complete and Total Control of Greenland,” Trump wrote at the time.
Trump also declared his intention to impose 10% tariffs on countries such as the U.K. that oppose his aspirations to acquire the territory.
Trump also cautioned that he could increase these charges to 25% by June 1 for NATO partners if an agreement to purchase Greenland isn’t finalized by then.
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However, since January, these threats have been put on hold due to significant opposition from NATO leaders, including U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, as well as from Trump’s own GOP domestically.

Trump declared his intention to impose 10% tariffs on countries that oppose his aspirations to acquire Greenland(Image: Getty Images)
Despite the halt in tariff and takeover discussions, Trump’s unsettling interest in acquiring the territory has compelled NATO allies to confront the reality of an American president who is disregarding the traditional rule of law concerning power and cooperation.
“Our nation was founded on rejecting bullies”, Tillis stated.
“I think it’s in our DNA whether we want to believe it or not,” he added. “Every once in a whilst, the rhetoric gets a little bit hot.
“We get a little bit cowboy-ish, but at the end of the day, the collective consciousness of the American people do not like bullies.”
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