Senators Consider Measures Against Trump’s Greenland Plans
WASHINGTON—Senators Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) are contemplating actions to prevent President Trump from launching an invasion of Greenland. They are also looking into the possibility of reversing the tariffs he proposed against eight European nations where he stationed troops.
The pair has previously attempted, though unsuccessfully, to limit Trump’s military actions in Venezuela. Now, they are setting their sights on a War Powers Act resolution that would stop a military invasion of Greenland.
“Senator Paul and I have discussed this. We’re going to take a week off starting tomorrow,” Kaine mentioned on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” addressing the War Powers Resolution intended to block military action against Greenland.
“We’re currently discussing how to apply that, and when would be the right time.”
Last week, Trump managed to defeat the War Powers Resolution, which was initially making headway in the Senate, after his staff overturned two votes.
Paul commented on “Meet the Press” about the likelihood of support for military invasion, stating, “I’ve never encountered a Republican backing an invasion of Greenland by a warring entity.” He noted that even the most hawkish members of their party have distanced themselves from this idea.
Some Republicans, including Sens. James Lankford from Oklahoma, Susan Collins of Maine, and Jerry Moran from Kansas, along with Alaska’s Lisa Murkowski and Mitch McConnell, have expressed concerns regarding Trump’s aggressive rhetoric about Greenland.
It’s uncertain whether they will back the war powers resolution, which only requires a simple majority to pass, rather than the usual 60 votes in the Senate.
Kaine also stated he is considering legislation aimed at limiting Trump’s tariffs on European allies. This legislation would also seek to prevent him from suspending U.S. participation in NATO or making statements against it without Congressional approval.
“Senator Paul and I have previously collaborated on tariff matters, and I expect many senators to join us in introducing the anti-tariff resolution once we’re back,” Kaine elaborated.
On Saturday, Trump declared plans to impose 10% tariffs on eight European nations—Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland—effective February 1.
This decision seems to stem from these countries sending troops to Greenland, amidst rising tensions with the U.S. If Greenland remains unacquired by June, Trump intends to increase these tariffs to 25%.
Paul echoed Kaine’s stance on tariffs and expressed hope that the Supreme Court will soon determine the constitutionality of Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) for imposing blanket tariffs.
“The Constitution doesn’t grant the president the right to threaten new taxes at will; I believe that’s unconstitutional,” Paul argued.
He went on to say, “The court will likely invalidate this case, marking a significant rebuke of unchecked presidential authority. But the sooner, the better.”
