A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced legislation to prevent unauthorized military action by President Trump against NATO countries, particularly in light of his comments regarding Greenland.
A coalition of bipartisan lawmakers has introduced a bill aimed at restricting any unauthorized military action by President Donald Trump, particularly concerning NATO countries and territories, including Greenland. The initiative comes amid rising concerns over Trump’s remarks about acquiring Greenland “one way or the other.”
Leading the legislative effort is Rep. Bill Keating, a Democrat from Massachusetts, who is joined by Reps. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.), and Don Bacon (R-Neb.). According to POLITICO, Keating emphasized the importance of the legislation, stating, “This is about our fundamental shared goals and our fundamental security, not just in Europe, but in the United States itself.”
The group is actively seeking broader support for the bill, hoping to attract additional Republican backing to restrict funding for any unauthorized military actions against U.S. allies. In a letter to his colleagues, Keating asserted that the legislation “takes a clear stand against such action and further supports NATO allies and partners.”
While the bill does not explicitly name any countries, it is a direct response to Trump’s repeated threats regarding Greenland. Keating explained that the decision to omit Greenland’s name was intentional, aiming to broaden the legislation’s focus. He noted his discussions with the Danish Ambassador and the head of Greenland’s representation, emphasizing, “This isn’t just about Greenland. This is about our security.”
Keating believes that cutting funding is the most effective way to deter Trump administration officials from taking military action. “War powers are important, but we’ve seen with Democratic and Republican presidents that that’s not as effective,” he stated. “It’s hard to get around having no funds or not allowing personnel to do it.”
This legislative move follows the Senate’s recent advancement of a bipartisan resolution aimed at limiting Trump’s ability to conduct military actions against Venezuela, particularly after the U.S. military’s recent operations targeting President Nicolás Maduro. The Senate could pass this measure later this week, although its future in the House remains uncertain despite some Republican support.
In discussions about Greenland, administration officials have reportedly been weighing options, including the potential use of military force to take control of the Danish territory. Such an action would violate NATO’s Article V, which stipulates that an attack on one member is an attack on all, potentially jeopardizing the alliance that has existed for over 75 years.
Trump has been vocal about his intentions regarding Greenland, stating, “We are going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not. Because if we don’t do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland, and we’re not going to have Russia or China as a neighbor.”
In response to these developments, Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and four party leaders reiterated last week that the self-governing island has no desire to become part of the United States. “We don’t want to be Americans, we don’t want to be Danes, we want to be Greenlanders,” they declared, emphasizing that Greenland’s future should be determined by its own people.
Additionally, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, along with leaders from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and Poland, signed a letter affirming that “Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland.”
The prospect of expanding U.S. control over Greenland has elicited mixed reactions within Congress. While most Democrats oppose the idea, some Republicans have expressed support for fostering closer ties with the territory. Rep. Randy Fine, a Republican from Florida, has even introduced legislation to make Greenland the 51st U.S. state, advocating for a voluntary acquisition. “I think it is in the world’s interest for the United States to exert sovereignty over Greenland,” Fine told Fox News Digital.
As the debate continues, the bipartisan bill aims to ensure that any military actions involving NATO allies are conducted with proper authorization and in alignment with U.S. commitments to its allies.
According to POLITICO, the introduction of this legislation reflects a growing concern among lawmakers about the implications of Trump’s foreign policy decisions.