Senator Hassan Joins Bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Greenland to Support U.S. National Security and Long-Time Arctic Ally

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) joined a bipartisan Congressional Delegation mission to Greenland this past weekend to reinforce the importance of partnership - not confrontation - with Greenland to the national security of the United States. The trip comes as the Trump Administration has threatened to annex, buy or otherwise take over the island nation. Together with Arctic Caucus members Angus King (I-ME), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), the lawmakers spent the weekend in Nuuk meeting with the Prime Minister and members of his cabinet, members of Parliament, Inuit leaders, Danish military leaders from Joint Arctic Command, and other Arctic officials.

Prior to their arrival in Greenland's capital, the Senators also traveled 750 miles north of the Arctic Circle to visit troops and meet with military leaders stationed at Pituffik Space Force Base in Northern Greenland, the United States' northern-most military base in the world.

"I joined this bipartisan visit to Greenland to help show the world that the freedom-loving majority of Americans know that the NATO alliance is critical to keeping our country safe, secure, and free," said Senator Hassan. "As President Trump appeases adversaries like Putin, it's particularly important to make clear that real strength means standing by one's friends and against one's foes, not the other way around."

"Our message to the Greenlandic people is respect for their territorial rights and self-determination," said Senator King. "My colleagues and I traveled to Greenland to reaffirm our commitment and support for their interest in managing their own affairs in tandem with the Kingdom of Denmark while continuing the longstanding partnership with the United States to ensure the safety and security of our homeland and our NATO allies. Our national security is dependent on maintaining friendly relationships with our allies, not the acquisition, annexation, or invasion of their territory."

"Since World War II, Greenland, Denmark, and the United States have stood alongside each other as true allies amid an ever-changing global landscape," Senator Murkowski said. "Greenland has made it clear that it welcomes further partnership with the United States, whether through strengthening economic, military, or diplomatic ties. However, deepening that relationship will rely heavily on rebuilding trust, and recognizing Greenland's autonomy and the sovereignty of Denmark. We must remember that genuine progress is not achieved through coercion, but rather through mutual respect. My colleagues and I are grateful for the warm reception we received from Greenlanders and look forward to opportunities to continue this important dialogue."

"To me, there are three core elements to protecting our national security. We need a strong economy, a strong military, and strong allies," said Senator Peters, Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and member of the Armed Services Committee. "Greenland and Denmark have been essential allies in advancing our shared economic and security goals, but unfortunately President Trump's recent actions have broken that trust. During this visit, our congressional delegation reaffirmed the United States' respect for Greenland's right to self-determination and commitment to maintaining our invaluable partnership as NATO allies."

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