Chris Coons

Force in Play

Led bipartisan congressional delegation to Denmark opposing Trump's Greenland policy

President Trump reversed his tariff threats and ruled out military force on January 21 after announcing a "framework" with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. The framework covers Arctic security cooperation, U.S. access to Greenland's rare earth minerals (1.5 million metric tons—the world's eighth-largest reserves), and Trump's "Golden Dome" missile defense system ($175-831 billion shield against hypersonic threats).

Updated 7 days ago

Money Moves

Joined the Navy Secretary's tour

TOTE Services, which holds the Navy's $2.2 billion Landing Ship Medium contract, named Hanwha Defense USA on October 30 as the first shipyard for that work. Hanwha has also moved the Philadelphia yard it bought in December 2024 under the control of its US defense arm.

Updated Oct 31

Force in Play

Led successful congressional delegation to Copenhagen January 16-17

The United States has operated military bases in Greenland since 1941, under agreements with Denmark. On January 15, 2026, NATO allies deployed troops to the island to counter U.S. pressure after American-Danish talks collapsed. On January 17, President Trump announced 10% tariffs on eight European countries: Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The tariffs will rise to 25% by June unless 'a deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland.' On January 20, Trump declared on Truth Social that 'there can be no going back' on Greenland, calling it 'imperative for National and World Security.' That same day, Denmark deployed its Army Chief, General Peter Boysen, alongside 58 additional troops to Greenland, bringing total Danish military presence to approximately 178 personnel for Operation Arctic Endurance.

Updated Oct 23

Rule Changes

As of September 2026: Co-led the Senate reauthorization effort

Congress finished work on the ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act on September 28, when the Senate gave final approval and sent the bill to the president. The vote came two days before the 2021 law was set to expire on September 30.

Updated Sep 29

New Capabilities

As of May 2026: Active on technology legislation; attended 2026 SETR launch

Congress defunded its own technology assessment office in 1995. Three decades later, Stanford University is trying to fill that gap. The third annual Stanford Emerging Technology Review debuted in Washington on January 28, 2026, with Hoover Institution scholars briefing senators, White House officials, and agency leaders on ten frontier technologies affecting national competitiveness.

Updated May 27

Force in Play

As of May 2026: Leading congressional delegation to Denmark

The United States has not acquired sovereign territory since 1917, when it purchased the Virgin Islands from Denmark for $25 million. On January 17, President Trump announced 10% tariffs on eight European nations starting February 1, escalating to 25% by June 1 unless a deal is reached for Greenland.

Updated May 21