Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a longtime ally of President Donald Trump, is brushing aside concerns over the Trump administration’s aggressive posture toward Greenland, telling European leaders not to panic and arguing that the real focus should be on results — not rhetoric.
Speaking to Politico’s Jonathan Martin on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, Graham made clear he is not losing sleep over who formally owns the mineral-rich territory, which belongs to Denmark.
“Here’s what I tell my European friends: Greenland is behind us but the goal is to get outcomes. Who gives a s— who owns Greenland? I don’t,” Graham said.
The Trump administration’s maneuvering around Greenland has stirred unease among some NATO allies, particularly given Denmark’s sovereignty over the island. Critics have characterized the approach as territorial expansion that could strain long-standing alliances. But Graham signaled that European partners should take a breath and look at the bigger strategic picture.
“If you’re nervous, have a beer, go see a doctor. Stop being nervous,” he quipped, underscoring his view that the controversy has been overblown.
According to Graham, the broader objective has been achieved: securing the assurances necessary to expand and strengthen the U.S. military presence on the vast Arctic island. He suggested that once President Trump feels invested in a particular initiative, he tends to move decisively.
“The point is Greenland is going to be more fortified because Donald Trump, once he feels like it’s his brand or he has some buy-in, is going to go big,” Graham said.
The South Carolina senator also used the moment to highlight what he views as one of Trump’s key accomplishments on the world stage: pushing NATO allies to increase defense spending. “The point is everybody loves NATO. I love it more because people are doing more,” he said.
Graham credited Trump with applying pressure that has led European members to contribute more financially to the alliance. “How many of you believe NATO would be contributing this much money if it weren’t for Trump?” he asked. “He’s giving them a reason to do it and they’re doing it so let’s celebrate.”
Beyond Greenland, Graham emphasized what he described as strong collaboration between the United States and Europe in supporting Ukraine. He argued that joint efforts have helped make Ukraine’s army “the strongest army in Europe,” adding that “it’s not even close.”
The senator maintained that bolstering defenses in Greenland would serve as a deterrent against potential Russian and Chinese expansion into Europe — a strategic concern that continues to loom large for Western allies.
Graham is leading a bipartisan congressional delegation to the Munich Security Conference this weekend, joined by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I. Other participating senators include Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska; Mark Warner, D-Va.; Chris Coons, D-Del.; Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.; and Steve Daines, R-Mont.
While tensions over Greenland may have captured headlines, Graham’s message to Europe was straightforward: focus on strengthened defenses, increased NATO spending, and shared security goals — and leave the rest behind.
