Congressional Republicans criticise White House threats of possible military takeover of Greenland
House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson said that the Congress is not seriously considering the scenario of Greenland's forceful annexation. According to him, lawmakers do not consider a military operation a realistic option. A similar position was expressed by Senate Republican Majority Leader John Thune, who noted that he saw no reason for military action in this matter. This was reported by The Washington Post.
At the same time, some representatives of the Republican Party have voiced harsher criticism. Senator Mitch McConnell called such statements «inappropriate» and «counterproductive», warning that any military attempt to seize the territory of a US ally would be a serious blow to American security and international influence.
The Republicans' reaction came after White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller said that Greenland «obviously» should become part of the United States. In turn, the White House confirmed that the administration is considering a "wide range of options" to gain control of the island, including the use of the army.
The disagreement between the White House and the Republican-majority Congress points to tensions within the party over the president's foreign policy. While many Republicans have supported previous US military actions abroad, notably in Yemen, Iran and Venezuela, threats against a NATO ally are a growing concern.
Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, a US ally and NATO member. According to the newspaper, Washington's rhetoric has already provoked a sharp reaction from European partners, who consider the possible use of force a "red line" in relations with the United States.
Senator Tom Tillis, who co-chairs the Senate NATO panel, sharply criticised the White House's statements, calling them irresponsible. Senator Lisa Murkowski also warned that the forceful annexation of Greenland would undermine US national security and international relations.
At the same time, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the president is primarily considering the option of acquiring Greenland through diplomatic means. He confirmed plans to discuss this issue with the Danish government in the near future, without commenting on the possibility of using force.
White House spokeswoman Carolyn Levitt also did not rule out a military scenario, stressing that diplomacy is the president's "first option. According to her, the previous examples of Iran and Venezuela show that after diplomatic contacts, the administration still resorted to military action.
Senator Rand Paul said that he is not aware of any Republican senator who would support a military takeover of Greenland, calling such talk «irresponsible rhetoric».
Democratic Senator Tim Kaine did not rule out that resolutions on war powers could appear in Congress to block possible US military action against Greenland or other territories.
Photo: The Washington Post.
