US Congress Faces Dilemma Over Trump's Greenland Aspirations

Wed Jan 21 2026 23:49:58 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As President Trump pursues his ambitious plans to acquire Greenland, a rift emerges within the Republican Party, with several lawmakers calling for restraint in military interventions and questioning the legality of such actions.

President Donald Trump's desire to acquire Greenland has resulted in increasing dissent among Republican lawmakers in Congress. Amid concerns over military interventions and the implications for US foreign policy, many express a desire to uphold international law and respect the sovereignty of Greenland. While some Republicans support Trump's agenda, a growing faction is willing to confront him over this issue, emphasizing the need for Congressional approval for any military actions.

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 and whether Trump would bow to pressure from Congress, or act alone as he has done several times during his second term.

The focus on Greenland has morphed into a broader discussion around Trump's unilateral use of military force, alongside diplomatic and economic coercion in regions like Venezuela and Iran.

Although many Republicans have endorsed Trump's foreign policy, there is an increasing number breaking ranks, saying a takeover of Greenland would violate both US and international law.

Recently, some Republican leaders indicated a lack of interest in the US purchasing Greenland or seizing it through military force, echoing concerns that such actions could exacerbate tensions with allies.

Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina expressed that potential tariffs on countries opposing Trump's Greenland initiative would be detrimental to American businesses and allies, benefitting rivals like China and Russia.

Trump maintains that acquiring Greenland is essential for national security in the context of increasing competition with global powers. Yet, his ambitions face resistance, with lawmakers like Senator Lisa Murkowski stressing the importance of respecting the sovereignty of the Greenlandic people.

Some Republicans now propose measures to prohibit US military action without Congressional approval, in a climate of frustration over Trump’s handling of foreign military engagements. Bipartisan efforts have signaled initial groundwork, with lawmakers warning against undermining NATO alliances in pursuit of Greenland.

Congress has various levers to potentially restrict Trump’s intentions, such as controlling funding, but a formal acquisition of Greenland has been firmly opposed by both Denmark and Greenland. With Trump's escalating desire for the territory, Congressional efficacy in shaping or blocking his plans remains uncertain.