Behind the scenes, Republican lawmakers are pressuring Donald Trump to abandon his ambitions regarding Greenland, whether through military occupation or purchase.
According to Politico reporter Jordain Carney, Republican opposition has intensified. Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) warned that military action could trigger impeachment proceedings, calling the proposal "the dumbest thing I've ever heard." Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters, "there's certainly not an appetite here for some of the options that have been talked about or considered."
Republicans are concerned that a "profound breach" on Greenland policy could trigger internal party conflict during an election year that is already shaping up to less than ideal with the House expected to flip to Democrats..
Politico reports that while publicly messaging opposition, "lawmakers try to reassure U.S. allies, including Denmark, in private." A bipartisan delegation is traveling to Copenhagen on Friday to communicate opposition to any military action.
Former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) warned colleagues that an attack on Greenland would "incinerate" the NATO relationship. Rep. Jeff Hurd (R-CO) added, "I don't think it is productive, and I don't think this is the way to treat an ally."
GOP lawmakers opposed to Trump's proposal are "hoping that Trump will read the writing on the wall and realize he doesn't have support on the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue."
Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) expressed astonishment at the situation: "We are operating in times where we're having conversations about things that we never thought even possible. To use the name Greenland in the context of a war powers resolution is absolutely stunning."
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