Graham Addresses Greenland and European Concerns
On Friday, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) downplayed worries from European leaders regarding President Trump’s interest in Greenland, suggesting that transatlantic allies should relax a bit.
“If you’re nervous, have a beer and go to the doctor…stop being nervous,” Graham remarked during a panel at the Munich Security Conference in Germany.
Later, he told his European counterparts, “Greenland is behind us, but the goal is to get results.” He also questioned, “Who owns Greenland? Who will give it away? Not me.”
Trump’s intention to acquire the semi-autonomous Danish territory, coupled with threats of imposing tariffs on European allies who oppose him, has indeed caused some unease among world leaders.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned that such threats could jeopardize “everything,” including the NATO alliance itself.
French President Emmanuel Macron characterized this week’s “Greenland Moment” as indicative of an “openly anti-European” stance from the Trump administration, suggesting that it aims to dismantle the European Union.
Macron further asserted that Europe is confronting a “double crisis” involving heavy competition from China in trade and ongoing instability from the U.S.
Last month, Trump walked back his tariff threats after reaching a preliminary agreement regarding Greenland with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte at the Davos summit. Details of this framework are still unclear, but Graham expressed confidence that the strategically significant Arctic island will emerge safer.
He argued, “The important thing is that if Donald Trump feels like his brand, or if he gets some buy-in, then Greenland will grow even stronger because it will grow significantly.”
Graham also defended NATO, emphasizing that European nations have increased their defense budgets since Trump’s term began, counteracting the narrative that Trump has weakened the alliance.
When discussing the U.S.-Denmark relationship, Graham seemed optimistic: “I think we’re good. We’re going to see them this afternoon. I think everyone’s happy to accept it. And we’ll live to fight again.”
