CNN's John Berman clashed with one of President Donald Trump's top MAGA allies in Congress over the possible use of force to take control of Greenland.
The White House said Tuesday the president is "discussing a range of options," including a purchase or military action, to acquire the Danish territory after invading Venezuela and capturing its leader and his wife, and the "CNN News Central" host asked Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) whether he supported using the military to take over Greenland.
"Well, first of all, I'm not interested in using military force, I want to be clear on that," Donalds said. "But let's also talk through what you just said. Congress does have the ability to declare war, you are correct. But the constitutional convention, they actually had a major debate about declaring war or making war, and there are two words that were used, and in the constitutional convention, they removed from the original draft of the constitution the word make to move towards the word declare, and the reason why was because the delegates at the constitutional convention 250 years ago, what they realize is that you cannot dictate foreign policy, military maneuvers from the halls of Congress."
Donalds argued the framers did not want the House of Representatives, which he said was slated to be around 65 to 70 seats, debating military action and instead reserved that authority for the executive branch, and he argued that Trump had not often invoked that authority.
"I would also stress to the American people, look at Donald Trump's track record when it comes to foreign policy," Donalds said. "Has he been dropping troops all across the globe doing A, B and C? No, he has not. He has actually pursued peace through strength, trying to end global conflicts, which is a stark contrast from the previous administration, which inflamed global conflicts."
Berman seemed perplexed by the congressman's claim.
"I will note in just the last week, the president has, despite what you said, dropped troops in Venezuela," Berman said, preparing to end the segment. "But it is always nice to speak with you."
Donalds cut in before producers could introduce a commercial break.
"Real quick – John, John, John, John, real quick, John," Donalds interjected. "Real quick, real quick point. To that point, John. No, no, it's not a point, but it's – John, is a clarification. The Biden administration put a $50 million bounty, I think it's $50 million, on Nicolás Maduro. Democrats on Capitol Hill wanted Nicolás Maduro out of Venezuela, and the only reason why they're complaining right now is because Donald Trump actually –"
"I'm not talking about complaints," Berman said. "You just said that he hasn't been dropping troops. He just did. Congressman Byron Donalds, great to speak with you. Thank you very much."
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