President Donald Trump's push to acquire Greenland has sparked a backlash from Republicans in Congress, as lawmakers voice growing concern about U.S. military interventions overseas.
It remains unclear if enough Republicans are willing to join Democrats to block a takeover of the island territory or if Trump would bow to pressure from Congress, or act alone amid his second term marked by increasing American entanglements abroad.
The focus on Greenland has transformed into a broader discussion over the Trump administration's unilateral use of military force, along with diplomatic and economic pressure, to assert power in Venezuela, Iran, and elsewhere worldwide.
Traditionally, Republicans have supported Trump's foreign policy agenda, but a notable number are now siding with Democrats and NATO allies who argue a Greenland takeover would violate U.S. and international law.
Recent statements from certain Republican leaders suggest a lack of interest in the U.S. buying Greenland or seizing it through military intervention. Some Republican lawmakers have even opposed Trump's plan to place tariffs on countries not supporting his acquisition bid, citing potential harm to American businesses and diplomacy.
As Trump's ambitions collide with bipartisan concerns, Congress might leverage its control of federal funding to halt any plans to purchase the territory, which Denmark and Greenland have consistently stated is not for sale. Despite this, Trump's insistence that Greenland is vital for U.S. national security complicates the debate.
If Trump attempts to take action unilaterally, it may prompt Congress to pass measures requiring legislative approval for military actions in Greenland, indicating lawmakers' worries about avoiding international legal breaches.
Considering current bipartisan sentiments, Trump's approach to Greenland and responses from both houses of Congress will shape future U.S. foreign policy and international relations.
