Landsman Takeaways from Bipartisan Trip to UK, Denmark, Israel, and Jordan

Cincinnati, OH – Today, Congressman Greg Landsman (D-OH-01) issued the following statement after taking part in a bipartisan Congressional delegation with Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries to the United Kingdom, Denmark, Israel, and Jordan:

On this bipartisan delegation, we reaffirmed our commitment to global alliances that are essential to economic growth and national security. Our global partners need to know they can count on us, but Trump’s chaos is definitely undermining us – and helping our adversaries, Russia and China, in particular. 

Many of us believe that this is a “Chamberlin versus Churchill” moment, and Trump is acting like Chamberlin, appeasing Putin and maybe even Iran. We need Congress to band together to serve as Churchill and stand with our allies against these global despots.

The big picture: Trump is making us smaller, poorer, and less safe.

Trump’s Trade War

Trump’s tariffs have created economic turmoil at home with higher prices on the horizon. But it’s also leading to uncertainty in the global economy, and a pullback of investments from our key trading partners. Global leaders believe that in addition to hurting Americans and our partners economically, Trump’s tariffs will help China grow even more.

Ukraine Must Win

Our allies need Ukraine to win. They believe beating Putin’s aggression is the only path to lasting peace. These leaders are working toward European self-defense by 2030 – as they think Trump will cave to Putin. Russia will take parts of Ukraine and then target Poland among others.

Russia has increased its defense spending by 25 percent and Putin has been clear about his intentions to conquer more land. Winning means getting Russia out of Ukraine with security guarantees to ensure they do not invade for a third time. It also means bringing home the 35,000 children from Ukraine that Russia has stolen.

We need to help our allies win this war, or war will spread.

Isolate Iran

Iran has been weakened, and now is the time to end their terror network and nuclear ambitions. They must know we are willing to use force – or willing to support Israel – if they determine Iranian nuclear facilities must be destroyed.

Iran has made it clear they want to destroy Israel and its allies.

If there is to be a deal, it must include the elimination of Iran’s entire terror network – from Hezbollah to Hamas to the Houthis. It must also lead to ongoing international inspections of its nuclear facilities to ensure there is no enrichment activity ever. All enriched uranium must be removed. This is the moment to end Iran’s chaos, which is essential to Middle East peace.

Support for Jordan 

Jordan is a critical intelligence and security partner, and we must strengthen our investments in the Kingdom. Jordan is the largest USAID partner, and cuts will do enormous damage in Jordan, and put our allies and ourselves at much greater risk.

Middle East Peace

We need a standing, select committee on Middle East Peace. I have the bill drafted. Congress must be fully engaged in building stronger partnerships in Israel – especially in the Knesset – as well is with Palestinian leaders and partnering Arab nations.

It’s clear we need more attention, not less, dedicated to bringing home American and Israeli hostages, ending the war in Gaza, ensuring humanitarian aid is getting to those who need it, and empowering a coalition of partners to remove Hamas from Gaza and secure the necessary investments to rebuild.

Denmark and Greenland 

The truth is, Denmark has been one of our most reliable partners. They’ve gone to war with us. They’ve invested in economic growth in our communities. They were a founding member of NATO and will take the presidency of the EU next year with a priority of European self-defense in five years. We need to treat them as the incredible partners in peace and democracy that they are.

As for Greenland, we went from 15 military bases to one since 1951. If we want to expand our partnership, militarily or economically, the door is wide open. They want to work with us more and have worked hard to keep China out. They are a proud part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and to continue to threaten Denmark’s sovereignty is insane.

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