Sen. Mark Kelly blasted President Donald Trump on Saturday over his threats to slap tariffs on U.S. allies amid escalating rhetoric about acquiring Greenland, calling the approach a self-inflicted blow to American credibility — and a risk to national security.
“Troops from European countries are arriving in Greenland to defend the territory from us. Let that sink in,” Kelly wrote in a social media post, pointing to recent Arctic security exercises that include Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, and other NATO forces. “And now Trump is setting tariffs on our allies, making you pay more to try to get territory we don’t need. The damage this President is doing to our reputation and our relationships is growing, making us less safe.”
Kelly said the fallout could be severe if Washington keeps pushing allies away. “If something doesn’t change we will be on our own with adversaries and enemies in every direction,” he added, urging Republicans to act: “Republicans in Congress need to stand up to Trump.”
The Arizona senator, a retired astronaut, has been a frequent critic of Trump’s national security posture and has drawn attention in prior public disputes involving Secretary of War Pete Hegseth over claims about Kelly’s military service. He argues the current standoff over Greenland reflects a broader pattern of aggressive, unilateral moves that could trigger diplomatic and economic backlash — especially in Europe and the Arctic.
Trump recently threatened tariffs in the 10% to 25% range on imports from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the U.K., the Netherlands, and Finland unless Greenland is sold to the United States. He also mocked Greenland’s defenses, claiming the island “currently has two dogsleds as protection, one added recently,” while insisting the territory is essential to U.S. and global security.
European leaders have pushed back sharply, including Kaja Kallas, Emmanuel Macron, and Ursula von der Leyen, alongside mounting public opposition in Greenland and Denmark. On Jan. 17, thousands of demonstrators marched with signs declaring “Greenland is not for sale,” rejecting any U.S. annexation effort.
Kelly’s warning adds to a widening alarm on Capitol Hill that the president’s pressure campaign could strain NATO, destabilize alliances, and weaken America’s standing at a moment of rising global tensions.
