WASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2026 — As President Donald J. Trump escalates pressure on Denmark to cede control of Greenland, a bipartisan group of senators has introduced legislation aimed at preventing the United States from using military force or other coercive measures to seize territories belonging to NATO allies.
The NATO Unity Protection Act, unveiled on Jan. 13 by Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Democrat of New Hampshire, and Senator Lisa Murkowski, Republican of Alaska, would prohibit the use of Department of Defense or State Department funds for any blockade, occupation or annexation of NATO member territories without explicit consent. The bill, which has garnered support from both parties, reflects growing unease in Congress over Mr. Trump’s threats, including recent tariffs on European nations and statements refusing to rule out military action.
While no votes have been held on the measure as of Monday, lawmakers and aides indicate it could advance quickly, potentially putting Republicans in a difficult position ahead of a Senate floor debate. Senator Tim Kaine, Democrat of Virginia, who led a similar war powers resolution on Venezuela that advanced with bipartisan support earlier this month before failing, has signaled plans for a companion bill specifically addressing Greenland. “You will see war powers resolutions introduced on… Greenland,” Mr. Kaine told reporters last week.
The push comes amid Mr. Trump’s renewed fixation on Greenland, a Danish territory he has described as essential for U.S. national security due to its Arctic location, rare earth minerals and strategic positioning against Russia and China. On Jan. 17, the president announced 10 percent tariffs on goods from eight European countries — Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland — for deploying military personnel to Greenland, with threats to increase them to 25 percent by June. European leaders have condemned the move, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York, vowed to introduce countermeasures to block the tariffs.
White House officials have dismissed the congressional efforts as “partisan obstruction,” insisting Mr. Trump’s approach prioritizes American interests without intending force. However, insiders describe internal deliberations as intense, with some advisers cautioning against alienating NATO allies. No public signs of panic were evident, but the administration has ramped up denials on social media.
The tensions have spilled online, with hashtags like #StandWithGreenland trending on X, where users shared clips of congressional statements and calls for impeachment. Greenland’s prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, has rejected U.S. overtures, affirming loyalty to Denmark, while a bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation visited Copenhagen over the weekend to reassure allies.
Critics, including some Republicans like Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, have labeled the tariffs counterproductive, arguing they divide NATO and benefit adversaries like Russia. A YouGov poll from early January found only 8 percent of Americans supporting military action in Greenland.
The legislation’s fate remains uncertain in a divided Congress, but its introduction marks a rare bipartisan rebuke. As with the Venezuela resolution, which saw two Republicans flip to advance it before a final defeat, Greenland could test party loyalty. Democrats hope to force votes that put Republicans on record, potentially influencing the November midterms.
The White House and congressional offices did not respond to requests for further comment. The situation continues to evolve, with European nations bolstering Greenland’s defenses through symbolic troop deployments.
