U.S. senators voiced mixed opinions as they debated the pros and cons of President Donald Trump’s proposal to purchase Greenland during a Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing on February 12.

"We are here to discuss something that was once dismissed as far-fetched but has long warranted serious consideration: the possibility of the United States purchasing Greenland," said Senator Ted Cruz, the committee’s chairman.

Cruz emphasized that given shifting global dynamics and Greenland’s geopolitical significance, the Senate could not ignore Trump’s proposal. Some Democratic senators, however, opposed the idea, expressing support for Denmark, Greenland’s governing nation.

"This is why I’m concerned. While our allies are actively strengthening their ties with the U.S., our president is fixated on acquiring land, even after they’ve made it clear it’s not for sale," said Senator Gary Peters, a Democrat.

Despite differing views on the purchase, lawmakers from both parties agreed that Trump’s focus on Greenland underscored the Arctic’s strategic importance for U.S. national security and natural resources.

Senator Maria Cantwell stressed the need for the U.S. to renew and reinforce its Arctic strategy to counter global rivals and protect national interests. "We are an Arctic nation, we have strategic interests there, and we need to continue advancing them," she said.

Several senators argued that Greenland’s residents would benefit economically and socially if the island became U.S. territory.

"For the people of Greenland, U.S. ownership would bring many advantages, including American citizenship and billions of dollars in new investments to improve living standards for its 50,000 residents," Cruz stated.

Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of purchasing Greenland, calling U.S. control over the island "essential" to global security. Greenland sits along the shortest air route between North America and Europe, making it a key strategic asset for Washington. The island also holds vast, largely untapped mineral resources.

Denmark, while acknowledging the U.S. as its "most important ally," has firmly rejected any scenario in which Washington uses economic or military pressure to take control of Greenland. Copenhagen has supported a stronger U.S. presence in the Arctic, provided that it respects Greenland’s people and its allied commitments.

(Sources: UPI, The Hill, Yahoo News)