Members of Congress and various experts are calling for an immediate response to President Donald Trump‘s persistent interest in acquiring Greenland. These voices argue that Congress should exert its Constitutional authority to halt what they describe as a troubling obsession. Since his initial term, Trump has suggested that the United States should annex Greenland, a notion that Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen dismissed as “absurd” in 2019.
After returning to the Oval Office last year, Trump intensified his rhetoric, labeling the acquisition of Greenland as having “strategic importance” for national security. He even hinted at the possibility of taking the territory by force, prompting economic experts and lawmakers to urge Capitol Hill to exercise its power as outlined in Article I of the Constitution.
Growing Concerns from Lawmakers
Former U.S. Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, Jason Furman, expressed his concerns during a recent interview, stating, “The President’s approach to Greenland is only the latest reason that Congress urgently should reclaim its Article I powers.” He emphasized that fiscal policies, including tax rates, should be determined by collective legislative action rather than the unilateral decisions of a single individual.
Republican Congressman Don Bacon further criticized Trump’s comments about Greenland, stating, “It’s ridiculous that this has to even be done.” Bacon asserted that discussions involving threats against allies are unacceptable, noting that such actions could severely damage U.S. relations, especially considering historical partnerships dating back to World War II. He described Trump’s rhetoric as “about the dumbest thing I’ve heard.”
Senator Ed Markey went a step further, suggesting that Congress should consider invoking the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office, citing recent communications with the Norwegian Prime Minister that he deemed irrational. “It could bring impeachment proceedings on the impeccable grounds that the president has plainly lost his mind,” Markey remarked.
Bipartisan Reactions and International Implications
A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers recently traveled to Denmark to reassure its leaders that not all members of Congress support Trump’s aggressive stance on Greenland. Among the delegation were Republican Senators Thom Tillis and Lisa Murkowski, both of whom have voiced their disapproval of the president’s comments. Tillis emphasized the importance of coequal branches of government, noting that any attempt to take sovereign territory would face “substantial opposition” in Congress.
Despite the controversy, the Trump administration has continued to assert that it does not require Congressional approval for its actions. The president has sidestepped legislative authority through executive orders, a tactic that has raised alarm among some Republicans. They have expressed concern about Trump’s unilateral moves, particularly as discussions about military operations in other nations unfold.
Commentators argue that Trump’s fixation on Greenland could undermine future negotiations with international leaders, eroding the trust that is essential for effective diplomacy. “Credibility once lost is not easily restored,” one analyst pointed out. “The next Republican president will not be starting from a position of trust.”
As this situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Congress will respond to Trump’s ongoing assertions regarding Greenland and whether they will take concrete steps to assert their legislative authority.
