A group of bipartisan US senators has introduced a new bill aimed at preventing any attempts by a president—former or future—to annex the autonomous territory of Greenland. The proposed legislation explicitly bans the use of federal funds for occupying or annexing territory belonging to NATO member states, a move clearly targeting former President Donald Trump’s controversial 2019 interest in buying Greenland from Denmark. While Trump’s proposal was widely ridiculed at the time, this bill underscores lawmakers’ determination to ensure no similar attempts are made in the future.

In 2019, Trump publicly floated the idea of purchasing Greenland, an icy yet strategically vital part of Denmark, leading to international uproar and strained relations with the Danish government. Many viewed the proposal as both absurd and damaging to diplomatic alliances. Greenland holds significant geopolitical importance due to its location in the Arctic and is rich in natural resources, making it a key area of interest for global powers, including the US, China, and Russia.

The new legislation is designed to safeguard international norms and the integrity of agreements among NATO allies. Lawmakers behind the bill stated that unilateral moves to seize territory could undermine alliances and tarnish the US’s global reputation. By targeting US funding mechanisms, which are critical to carrying out such initiatives, the senators hope to ensure policy decisions align with diplomacy rather than impulsive ideas.

Experts argue that beyond its apparent absurdity, Trump’s Greenland proposal serves as a reminder of the broader global competition in the Arctic. Climate change is opening up new trade routes and access to untapped resources, intensifying geopolitical tensions. This context adds an extra layer of importance to protecting mutual trust and cooperation within NATO, especially as rival powers expand their influence in the region.

While the bill primarily addresses potential future scenarios, it also reflects fears among American lawmakers about maintaining stable international relations. "Greenland isn’t for sale, and reckless actions like this could destabilize decades of cooperation with our closest allies," one senator noted. The bipartisan nature of the bill signals broad consensus in Washington about the need to respect the sovereignty of allied nations and preserve mutual defense agreements.

For Denmark and Greenland, the move is likely seen as a welcome safeguard. Danish officials rejected Trump’s overture in 2019, calling the notion “absurd” and reiterating that Greenland isn’t on the market. For Greenlanders, the bill may also affirm that their autonomy and strategic importance will not be undermined by outsized ambitions.

This legislation doesn’t directly hold Trump or any individual accountable. Instead, it’s a preemptive strike to prevent similar international embarrassments in the future. Whether or not the bill passes into law, its introduction sends a clear message that ill-advised land grabs are off the table for good—and that the US must prioritize diplomacy over disruption.