President Donald Trump is facing renewed criticism—not from Democrats, but from a former member of his own White House communications team.
Sarah Matthews, who briefly served as deputy press secretary during Trump’s first administration and later became a vocal critic, publicly attacked the president this week over his handling of U.S. relations involving Greenland. Her remarks were made during an appearance on The Weeknight, a progressive-leaning cable news panel.
Matthews claimed President Trump’s comments and actions regarding Greenland have strained relationships with European allies and described his approach as extreme. Her criticism came as European leaders pushed back against Trump’s long-standing view that Greenland holds major strategic value for U.S. national security, particularly amid growing competition from China and Russia in the Arctic.
Despite objections from Europe—who argue Greenland falls under NATO protections—the Trump administration announced new 10 percent tariffs on several European nations. Supporters of the president say the move underscores his willingness to use economic leverage to protect American interests and prevent foreign adversaries from expanding their influence.
Matthews rejected that reasoning, arguing that Trump’s foreign policy messaging lacks consistency. She questioned why the president warns about Russian and Chinese expansion while also referencing past diplomatic outreach involving Vladimir Putin, portraying the contrast as contradictory.
She also claimed the Greenland issue does not align with what many voters prioritized in the election. According to Matthews, Americans are more concerned about rising grocery prices, housing affordability, and health care costs—issues she argued should take precedence over international territorial disputes.
Turning her attention to Congress, Matthews pointed to Rep. Don Bacon as one of the few Republicans willing to publicly challenge the president. Bacon has warned that further action related to Greenland could trigger impeachment discussions—comments that have fueled additional media speculation.
Conservatives, however, see the situation differently. Many argue that President Trump’s focus on Greenland reflects a broader America First strategy centered on national security, energy independence, and countering global threats before they reach U.S. shores. To them, Matthews’ remarks resemble a familiar pattern of former administration figures aligning with legacy media narratives critical of Trump.
As debate continues, Greenland has become another flashpoint in Washington’s ongoing divide between Trump’s assertive foreign policy approach and the traditional political establishment he has challenged throughout both of his terms.