US senators move to block use of funds against NATO allies after Greenland remarks

On January 13, two senior U.S. senators introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at reinforcing NATO unity, amid concerns sparked by recent remarks from the Trump administration about potentially taking control of Greenland, a territory of NATO member Denmark.

Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire said their proposed NATO Unity Protection Act would prohibit the use of U.S. Defence Department or State Department funds to blockade, occupy, annex or otherwise assert control over the sovereign territory of a NATO ally without that country’s consent or authorisation from the North Atlantic Council.

The bill comes as U.S. allies expressed unease over statements suggesting Washington could pursue control over Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory. Lawmakers said such actions would violate the North Atlantic Treaty, weaken alliance cohesion and undermine NATO’s collective efforts to counter threats from rivals such as Russia and China.

“Our NATO alliances are what set the United States apart from our adversaries. We have friends and allies who are willing to stand firmly alongside us as the strongest line of defence to keep those who work to undermine peace and stability from making sweeping advances globally,” Murkowski said. “The mere notion that America would use our vast resources against our allies is deeply troubling and must be wholly rejected by Congress in statute.”

Shaheen said the legislation was intended to reaffirm Washington’s commitment to alliance principles and member state sovereignty.

“The strength of NATO depends on unity, trust and respect for the sovereignty of every member state,” she said. “Any suggestion that the United States might use its power to seize or control the territory of a NATO ally would directly undermine the alliance that keeps Americans safe and plays into the hands of our adversaries."

US President Donald Trump has said the United States needs to acquire Greenland for national security reasons and has not ruled out the use of military force.

While a potential purchase has been floated, Trump said he would seek control of the island “the easy way” or “the hard way”.

The proposal has been rejected by Greenland’s leaders and by Denmark, a Nato ally, which governs the island as a semi-autonomous territory.

Greenland, the world’s largest non-continental island, lies in the Arctic between North America and the polar region. Despite its vast size, it is home to about 56,000 people, mostly indigenous Inuit.

Its strategic location makes it important for early warning systems against missile attacks and for monitoring Arctic shipping routes. The US has maintained a military presence there since World War Two, with Pituffik Space Base playing a key role in missile surveillance.

By Aghakazim Guliyev