John Fetterman and Dave McCormick caution against invasion as Trump ramps up Greenland push
A lesson in bipartisanship: Democratic Sen. John Fetterman and Republican Sen. Dave McCormick tell @TonyDokoupil they are looking for ways to work together for the people of Pennsylvania and to set a good example. They also discuss President Trump’s plans for Greenland, health… pic.twitter.com/LSBzbzkyza
— CBS Evening News with Tony Dokoupil (@CBSEveningNews) January 17, 2026
WEST MIFFLIN, PENNSYLVANIA: Senators Dave McCormick and John Fetterman addressed President Donald Trump’s push for the US to acquire Greenland for national security reasons.
Both senators stressed that the US should not invade Greenland, while recognizing the island’s strategic significance. They also highlighted the diplomatic, commercial, and defense aspects of relations between the two countries at a pivotal geopolitical moment.
Dave McCormick and John Fetterman on Greenland
In an interview on CBS Evening News anchor Tony Dokoupil, McCormick and Fetterman weighed in on the ongoing debate over America’s role in Greenland.
Both lawmakers agreed that while the US should consider a bigger role in Greenland’s affairs, a military takeover or invasion is not an acceptable option. Fetterman, speaking alongside McCormick, remarked that it is “not an absurd idea” for the US to consider buying Greenland from Denmark because of its strategic value.
He noted that discussions of such a purchase are “not a brand-new conversation,” pointing to a Cold War-era proposal by former President Harry Truman to purchase the territory for $100 million.
Although he was open to financial or diplomatic options, Fetterman emphasized, "We’re not showing up with the military [to] take over. It’s the size, in terms of the population, of Harrisburg. I mean, you’re not going to invade."
McCormick echoed Fetterman’s view, affirming that they agree "we shouldn't use military force." At the same time, he stressed that the US still "needs to have a strategic foothold" in Greenland and suggested that this could be achieved through negotiations.
He also expressed confidence that the Trump administration would continue pursuing stronger engagement with Greenland, whether through diplomatic or commercial channels. During the interview, Fetterman noted that ideally, "we purchase it," an idea McCormick has also previously suggested.
Trump’s Greenland plans and impact on international order
Trump has repeatedly emphasized the territory’s strategic importance, citing growing geopolitical competition and defense concerns. He has described "anything less" than US control as "unacceptable."
The administration has also not dismissed the possibility of using military force to assert control, with Trump even threatening to impose tariffs on countries that resist his efforts to annex the territory.
This position has faced strong opposition from officials in both Greenland and Denmark. Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen affirmed the island’s loyalty, stating, "We choose Denmark over the United States."
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen cautioned that a US takeover could effectively spell the end of NATO, given Denmark’s membership in the alliance. To ease tensions, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen met with his Greenlandic counterpart and Trump administration officials at the White House on Wednesday, January 14.
Rasmussen characterized the talks as an effort to "take down the temperature" of the debate, noting that although the US and Denmark have "fundamental" differences regarding Greenland, they agreed to continue discussions.
He also emphasized that while he supports security improvements in Greenland, which already hosts a US military base, an American takeover is "absolutely not necessary."
