2026 House Resolution 234

Whereas, The state of Michigan has a longstanding interest in the stability of the international system, the rule of law among nations, and the peaceful resolution of disputes, all of which are essential to global security and economic prosperity. Michigan’s economy is deeply connected to international trade, advanced manufacturing, shipping through the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Seaway system, and global supply chains that depend on stable relations among allied democracies. Michigan is home to major defense manufacturers, research institutions, and thousands of workers whose livelihoods are tied to the strength, unity, and credibility of the United States’ alliances, including the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO); and

Whereas, Greenland is a mostly autonomous territory within the sovereign Kingdom of Denmark, a relationship recognized under international law and respected by the international community. The people of Greenland possess a distinct cultural and historical identity and enjoy extensive self-government, and any future change in political status must be determined solely by the freely expressed democratic will of the Greenlandic people, without coercion or external pressure; and

Whereas, The Trump-Vance Administration has repeatedly expressed their intent to acquire Greenland as a territory of the United States. The Administration has been critical of Denmark’s efforts to provide security to Greenland and has attempted to justify the acquisition as a security issue, though the United States also has an interest in extracting resources from the island. President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have suggested that the United States could purchase Greenland from Denmark, though both Danish and Greenlandic officials have indicated that the island is not for sale. The Administration has also been attempting to convince the people of Greenland to leave Denmark and join the United States through covert influence. If other means fail, President Trump has not ruled out the use of military force to seize Greenland for the United States; and

Whereas, The Kingdom of Denmark is a longstanding ally of the United States and a founding member of NATO, and has consistently contributed to collective defense, international peacekeeping, and the shared security of the transatlantic alliance. NATO remains the most successful defensive alliance in history and is vital to the security of the United States, Europe, and North America, including the economic and security interests of the state of Michigan. Public statements and threats directed toward a NATO ally undermine alliance cohesion, weaken deterrence, and risk emboldening adversaries who seek to divide democratic nations. The continued success of NATO is dependent on unity among members, our ongoing commitment to mutual defense, and respect among NATO allies; and

Whereas, The rights of the people of Greenland and the nation of Denmark are protected under international law. The principle of self-determination, enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and other instruments of international law, affirms that peoples have the right to freely determine their political status and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development. A related principle, territorial integrity, is a cornerstone of international law and international stability, protecting recognized sovereign states from coercion, threats, or the use of force against their territorial boundaries; and

Whereas, Constructive diplomacy, mutual respect for sovereignty, and adherence to international law are essential to maintaining strong alliances and ensuring peace and stability in the Arctic and beyond; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the Trump-Vance Administration to cease threats or coercive rhetoric directed at the Kingdom of Denmark relating to Greenland and to instead pursue diplomacy grounded in respect for sovereignty, adherence to international law, and solidarity with our allies; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the Vice President of the United States, the United States Secretary of State, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark to the United States, the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.