President Donald Trump's push to acquire Greenland has sparked a backlash from Republicans in Congress, as lawmakers voice growing concern about US military interventions overseas.
However, it remains unclear if enough Republicans are willing to join Democrats to block a takeover of the island territory, or whether Trump would bow to pressure from Congress, or act alone as he's done several times during 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, but now, a growing number are siding with Democrats and NATO allies who argue that a takeover of Greenland would violate US and international law.
In recent days, several Republican leaders voiced disinterest in the US buying Greenland or seizing it through military force. Some Republicans have also joined Democrats in opposing a new plan by Trump to implement tariffs on countries that do not support his bid for the territory, which is currently self-governing but controlled by Denmark.
Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina criticized the proposed tariffs as harmful to America, suggesting they would ultimately support adversaries like China and Russia. Meanwhile, Senator Lisa Murkowski, co-chair of the Senate Arctic Caucus, emphasized the importance of respecting Greenland's sovereignty.
Trump has insisted that U.S. ownership of Greenland is vital for national security amidst ongoing global tensions. He has vowed to acquire the territory one way or another despite bipartisan hesitance, particularly regarding potential military actions.
Congress has various avenues available to limit Trump's actions, including the power of the purse necessary for any acquisition. Experts indicate that Congress would need to authorize funding for the purchase, whether through direct purchase or military action, although Denmark has stated that the island is not for sale.
In light of this, a group of Senate Republicans is signaling support for measures that would require Congressional approval before any US action is taken regarding Greenland. However, it remains uncertain if these proposals will gain enough traction among Republicans to pass.
With Trump's ambitions seemingly increasingly unpopular at Capitol Hill, both Democrats and a faction of Republicans could confront the administration; a situation that could drastically reshape U.S. foreign policy and its relations with allies.
