U.S. Senator John Fetterman stated President Donald Trump's idea to acquire Greenland is "not an absurd idea," while Senator Chuck Schumer called Trump's drive for Greenland "quixotic," according to an X post by @yarotrof between 10:16 a.m. and 10:46 a.m. UTC on January 18, 2026. The post by @yarotrof described Trump's approach as coercing friendly nations over the territory amid his January 17 announcement of 10% tariffs on Denmark and others starting February 1, rising to 25% on June 1 unless a Greenland purchase deal is reached. Separately, German opposition leader Friedrich Merz expressed a positive outlook on Trump, stating the U.S. president "does what he says" and is clear and calculable, which could contribute to faster change in Europe, as reported in a news item during the same 29-minute window. These U.S. comments follow Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's earlier disclosure today of a direct call with Trump urging against tariffs on nations contributing to Greenland's security and calling for dialogue to avoid escalation.
