How Congress can stop Trump invading Greenland amid fears of military takeover

Trump is back on the Greenland mission, and this time the stakes feel like they’re rising by the hour. The talk is no longer just rhetoric about “national security,” it’s about what Congress can do before threats turn into something way uglier.

Greenland is Denmark-governed, not a spare chess piece the US can just pick up. Still, the island’s location between North America and the Arctic makes it a tempting strategic target, especially for early warning systems, which is exactly why people are spooked about any military move. Then there’s the pressure campaign, Trump threatening 10 percent tariffs across eight European countries, and bumping it to 25 percent if a “complete and total purchase” does not happen.

That’s why one proposal, invoking the War Powers Resolution and cutting off Greenland military funding, is suddenly the most important wrench Congress could throw in the plan.

Main Story

As US-Greenland tensions escalate, there is one way Congress could stop Trump from taking over the Denmark-governed territory.

Since Trump returned to office last January, he's had his sights firmly set on acquiring Greenland, the world's largest island.

While Trump’s 10 percent tariff threat hangs over eight European countries, lawmakers are trying to figure out how to stop the Greenland escalation before it gets locked in.

Key Point 2

He claims the US 'need' to own Greenland 'now' for the sake of national security. But not everyone agrees...

The island, located between North America and the Arctic, is strategically positioned for early warning detection of missile attacks. However, the Denmark-owned territory is not for sale - though that's not exactly deterred Trump from wanting to invade the area.

Key Point 3

In response, Trump has threatened to impose a 10 percent tariff in eight European countries, starting February.

This is set to rise to 25 percent come June should a deal for the 'complete and total purchase of Greenland' fail to be reached.

The moment the “complete and total purchase of Greenland” demand turns into a real-world pressure tactic, Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen’s War Powers push starts sounding less theoretical.

Key Point 4

While people are worried World War Three could break out if Trump attempts to take-over the island, there is something Congress could do to throw a spanner in his works.

Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen has called on the US government to invoke the War Powers Resolution, as per ABC News.

As Eric Dane’s ALS fight ended, it’s hard not to think about how quickly health news can turn.

Key Point 5

"We could, for example, cut off any funds that could be used for military purposes with respect to Greenland; we could take action under the War Powers Resolution," he said.

Also known as the War Powers Act, the congressional resolution is designed to 'limit the US president’s ability to initiate or escalate military actions abroad,' the Nixon Library explains.

With the War Powers Resolution timeline in play, the 48-hour notification rule and the 60-day limit become the timeline Congress can use to slam the brakes on armed force.

Key Point 6

It was passed in 1973 during the final years of the Vietnam War, after Congress grew alarmed by how deeply the US had been drawn into the conflict without a formal declaration of war.

It requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of committing armed forces to military action and forbids armed forces from remaining for more than 60 days, with a further 30-day withdrawal period, without congressional authorization or a declaration of war by the US.

Key Point 7

So, it is meant to stop presidents from starting open-ended wars on their own. It allows them to act quickly in emergencies, but Congress has the final say if the fighting is going to last.

Congress then needs a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate to override said veto, which Democrats almost certainly don’t have.

If the US starts moving military resources tied to Greenland, the question shifts from “Can Trump ask for it?” to “Can Congress legally stop it?” fast enough.

Key Point 8

So unless a significant number of Republicans break with Trump, the resolution actually won’t legally stop him.

Van Hollen added: "A lot of our Republican colleagues talk big until it comes time to vote. We saw that just this past week, where two Republican senators who had voted in favor of moving forward the War Powers Resolution on Venezuela backed off.

Key Point 9

"So they have to stop giving Donald Trump a blank check."

This is Congress’s chance to make sure the Greenland story does not turn into a military takeover headline.

Before you picture Trump’s Greenland takeover, check why airlines ban pilots’ beards.