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. But it remains unclear if enough Republicans are willing to join Democrats to block a takeover of the island territory—and whether Trump would bow to pressure from Congress, or act alone as he's done several times in a second term marked by growing American entanglements abroad.
The focus on Greenland has grown into a broader discussion over the Trump administration's unilateral use of military force, along with diplomatic and economic coercion, to project power in Venezuela, Iran, and elsewhere around the world.
Republicans have largely backed Trump's foreign policy agenda since he returned to the White House. However, a growing number are siding with Democrats in Congress and NATO allies who say a takeover of Greenland would violate U.S. and international law.
In recent days, some Republican leaders have expressed little interest in buying Greenland or seizing it through military force. Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina noted that Trump's plan to impose tariffs on countries against the acquisition would instead hurt American businesses and benefit adversaries like China and Russia.
Trump argues that acquiring Greenland is vital for national security, stating that it is crucial for the U.S. to better compete in the Arctic. Yet, the increasing unpopularity of his acquisition plans among Congress raises the question: Can lawmakers employ their power to thwart him?
Experts suggest that any effort to purchase Greenland would require an act of Congress for funding, yet Trump's administration has expanded its executive powers to pursue his agenda.
With mounting bipartisan frustration regarding Trump's military actions abroad, Congress does have mechanisms to challenge the president. As the political debate heats up, Trump's ambitions for Greenland could clash with legislative authority, leading to a pivotal stand-off in U.S. governance.
The focus on Greenland has grown into a broader discussion over the Trump administration's unilateral use of military force, along with diplomatic and economic coercion, to project power in Venezuela, Iran, and elsewhere around the world.
Republicans have largely backed Trump's foreign policy agenda since he returned to the White House. However, a growing number are siding with Democrats in Congress and NATO allies who say a takeover of Greenland would violate U.S. and international law.
In recent days, some Republican leaders have expressed little interest in buying Greenland or seizing it through military force. Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina noted that Trump's plan to impose tariffs on countries against the acquisition would instead hurt American businesses and benefit adversaries like China and Russia.
Trump argues that acquiring Greenland is vital for national security, stating that it is crucial for the U.S. to better compete in the Arctic. Yet, the increasing unpopularity of his acquisition plans among Congress raises the question: Can lawmakers employ their power to thwart him?
Experts suggest that any effort to purchase Greenland would require an act of Congress for funding, yet Trump's administration has expanded its executive powers to pursue his agenda.
With mounting bipartisan frustration regarding Trump's military actions abroad, Congress does have mechanisms to challenge the president. As the political debate heats up, Trump's ambitions for Greenland could clash with legislative authority, leading to a pivotal stand-off in U.S. governance.
