Experts and politicians are urging Congress to act decisively against President Donald Trump’s ongoing pursuit of acquiring Greenland. This call for action comes as concerns grow over Trump’s rhetoric and intentions regarding the territory, which he has referred to as possessing “strategic importance” for the United States. Since his first term, Trump has suggested that the U.S. should annex Greenland, a notion that has drawn sharp criticism both domestically and internationally.
In 2019, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen dismissed Trump’s proposal, calling it “absurd.” Yet, since returning to the Oval Office in 2022, Trump’s obsession with Greenland has intensified. He has hinted at taking the territory by force if necessary, alarming lawmakers and experts who warn that such a move could destabilize U.S. relations with allies.
Jason Furman, former chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers under President Obama, emphasized the need for Congress to reclaim its Article I powers. “The President’s approach to Greenland is only the latest reason that Congress urgently should reclaim its Article I powers to levy tariffs,” Furman stated. He criticized the president’s use of executive actions to bypass Congress on economic matters, asserting that fiscal policy should be determined by legislative consensus, not the whims of a single individual.
The situation escalated when Rep. Don Bacon publicly condemned Trump’s comments about Greenland, labeling them “about the dumbest thing I’ve heard.” Bacon remarked on the absurdity of negotiating with allies through threats of force. He expressed concern that such rhetoric undermines longstanding alliances, particularly with nations like Denmark, which have been U.S. partners since World War II.
On Capitol Hill, some lawmakers have gone as far as suggesting that Congress could invoke the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office, citing his erratic behavior in communications with other leaders. Senator Ed Markey highlighted the gravity of the situation, asserting, “It could bring impeachment proceedings on the impeccable grounds that the president has plainly lost his mind.”
The backlash against Trump’s Greenland ambitions has prompted a bipartisan group of lawmakers to visit Denmark and Greenland. This delegation aimed to reassure Danish leaders that not all members of Congress support the president’s rhetoric. Among the group were Sens. Thom Tillis and Lisa Murkowski, both known for their willingness to challenge Trump’s policies. Tillis remarked on the importance of maintaining coequal branches of government and stressed that any attempt to seize a sovereign territory would face substantial opposition in Congress.
As Trump’s administration continues to sidestep congressional authority through executive orders, some Republicans are beginning to push back against unilateral actions. Recently, concerns were raised over the administration’s decision to allow artificial intelligence chips to be sold to China, which lawmakers fear could compromise national security. In a post on social media platform X, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast criticized the decision, highlighting the risks of technology falling into the hands of Chinese military enterprises.
The ongoing tensions surrounding Trump’s Greenland ambitions have sparked wider discussions about the future of U.S. foreign policy and its impact on the Republican Party. Observers note that Trump’s fixation on Greenland could undermine the credibility of future Republican leaders in international negotiations. As one analyst stated, “Credibility once lost is not easily restored. The next Republican president will not be starting from a position of trust.”
As Congress prepares to navigate these turbulent waters, the urgency for action grows. The implications of Trump’s Greenland rhetoric extend beyond diplomatic relations, raising questions about the balance of power in U.S. governance and the role of Congress in shaping foreign policy.
