President Donald Trump’s intensifying efforts to secure U.S. control over Greenland have sparked unprecedented criticism from within his own Republican Party, with several lawmakers signalling potential congressional action to curb what they describe as executive overreach.
Trump’s campaign to take over Greenland has escalated in recent weeks, including threats of military force and tariffs on European NATO allies who oppose the acquisition. He has framed the move as essential for countering strategic threats from China and Russia in the Arctic.
However, public opinion remains strongly opposed: A recent CNN poll found only 25% of Americans support attempts to take control of Greenland, with support split evenly among Republicans. Opposition rises sharply to 86% when military force is considered.
Republican Lawmakers Disagree
Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, emphasised de-escalation: “I am not critical of the president. I am critical of the bad advice he is getting on Greenland.” He predicted a war powers resolution requiring congressional approval for military deployment could pass with veto-proof majorities (two-thirds of the Senate), even among Republicans. Tillis added that “kinetic action or an increase in military presence” would trigger such a measure.
Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) stated there is “no Republican support” for a military invasion, noting that even the most hawkish members oppose it. while Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), who joined a bipartisan congressional delegation to Denmark and Greenland, stressed: “Greenland needs to be viewed as our ally, not as an asset.” She co-sponsored bipartisan legislation with Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) to prohibit U.S. military occupation or annexation of NATO territories, including Greenland. Similar bills have gained bipartisan support in the House.
Representative Don Bacon (R-NE) called Trump’s approach “utter buffoonery” and an invasion “immoral and wrong,” warning it would end his presidency. He claimed a “silent majority” of Republicans would block military action and urged reclaiming congressional authority over tariffs.
Despite Republican control of Congress, a recent war powers resolution limiting action in Venezuela failed narrowly after Trump pressured lawmakers. However, opposition to Greenland appears broader, with lawmakers like Tillis and Murkowski predicting stronger support.
Democrats are also responding. Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) plans to introduce a resolution prohibiting tariffs against NATO allies, calling the confrontation a “dead-end” harmful to U.S. standing and NATO unity.
Trump’s allies remain supportive but measured. House Speaker Mike Johnson, in a speech to the UK Parliament on Tuesday, the first by a sitting U.S. Speaker avoided naming Greenland directly but urged European leaders to embrace Trump’s vision on Arctic threats. He said his mission was to “calm the waters” while warning against inaction on China and Russia.
