Representative Don Bacon, a Nebraska Republican, is escalating his criticism of President Donald Trump’s renewed push to acquire Greenland, calling the effort “immoral” just days after suggesting the president could face impeachment over the issue.
Why It Matters
Last week, Bacon described Trump’s talk of taking over Greenland as “utter buffoonery,” warning it could spark impeachment efforts—an unusually blunt threat coming from within the president’s own party. By arguing that Trump’s rhetoric about seizing Greenland could cross a removal-worthy line, the five-term congressman is underscoring how politically explosive the issue has become, both in Washington and abroad. Bacon, first elected in 2016 and in office since 2017, has said he will not seek reelection in 2026.
Since returning to office exactly one year ago, Trump has intensified his public posture about annexing Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark that hosts the U.S. space base at Pituffik. Trump has framed the Arctic island as vital to U.S. security, and the White House has declined to rule out military action to acquire it.
The U.S. and Denmark are both NATO allies under Article 5, which treats an attack on one member as an attack on all. Analysts have warned that a U.S. military assault involving another NATO country could fracture the alliance.
What To Know
On Monday, Bacon posted on X, “Very embarrassing conduct,” responding to reporting that Trump told Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre he wanted to acquire Greenland because he did not win the Nobel Peace Prize.
When another user replied, “Outcomes matter dope,” Bacon shot back: “Ends don’t justify the means Goofy. It’s immoral.”
On Tuesday, Bacon weighed in on a separate poll that found 30 percent of Republicans backed using military force to take Greenland, writing: “We obviously need more of the Gospel in our lives. Too many have lost their moral compass.”
A CBS News/YouGov survey conducted January 14 to 16 found 70 percent of Republicans opposed Trump using military force to take control of Greenland. Among Democrats and independents, opposition was 97 percent and 90 percent, respectively. Overall, 86 percent of U.S. adults opposed using military force against the U.S. ally.
The same poll found 70 percent of U.S. adults opposed a plan to purchase the territory from Denmark. The survey included 2,523 U.S. adults and had a margin of error of plus or minus 2.3 percentage points.
Trump’s stance has also triggered backlash overseas, with European allies viewing it as a direct challenge to NATO unity and Greenland’s sovereignty.
Some European countries have sent troops to Greenland, while Trump has announced new tariffs targeting European countries that oppose U.S. efforts to take control of the territory. Early Tuesday, Trump posted a seemingly AI-edited image on Truth Social showing a map with the American flag over Greenland, Canada and Venezuela as he spoke with European leaders. He has also shared a photo of himself, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio holding an American flag beside a sign reading, “Greenland—U.S. Territory. Est. 2026.”
Bacon warned last week that “if he went through with the threats, I think it would be the end of his presidency. And he needs to know: The off-ramp is realizing Republicans aren’t going to tolerate this and he’s going to have to back off. He hates being told no, but in this case, I think Republicans need to be firm.”
Global leaders are gathered this week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where Greenland has emerged as a major topic of discussion.
What People Are Saying
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday in Davos: “Let’s not accept a global order which will be decided by those who claim to have, I would say, the bigger voice or the bigger stick.”
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday, per the Associated Press: “Now it’s not the Collective West writing the rules but just one of its representatives. It’s a major upheaval for Europe, and we are watching it. The Euro-Atlantic concept of ensuring security and cooperation has discredited itself.”
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said in a statement on Monday: “Norway’s position on Greenland is clear. Greenland is a part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and Norway fully supports the Kingdom of Denmark on this matter. We also support that NATO in a responsible way is taking steps to strengthen security and stability in the Arctic. As regards the Nobel Peace Prize, I have clearly explained, including to president Trump what is well known, the prize is awarded by an independent Nobel Committee and not the Norwegian Government.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in Davos: “The European Union and the United States have agreed to a trade deal last July. And in politics as in business—a deal is a deal. And when friends shake hands, it must mean something. … We consider the people of the United States not just our allies, but our friends. And plunging us into a downward spiral would only aid the very adversaries we are both so committed to keeping out of the strategic landscape.”
U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social on January 17: “We have subsidized Denmark, and all of the Countries of the European Union, and others, for many years by not charging them Tariffs, or any other forms of remuneration. Now, after Centuries, it is time for Denmark to give back—World Peace is at stake! China and Russia want Greenland, and there is not a thing that Denmark can do about it. … Nobody will touch this sacred piece of Land, especially since the National Security of the United States, and the World at large, is at stake.”
He added: “Starting on February 1st, 2026, all of the above mentioned Countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, and Finland), will be charged a 10% Tariff on any and all goods sent to the United States of America. On June 1st, 2026, the Tariff will be increased to 25%. This Tariff will be due and payable until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland. The United States has been trying to do this transaction for over 150 years.”
What Happens Next
Trump is scheduled to speak in Davos on Wednesday. The newly announced tariffs are set to go into effect on February 1.
