Senator Rand Paul says GOP rejects Trump's Greenland invasion threats

WASHINGTON, DC: Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky) moved to cool speculation of a military confrontation in the Arctic on Sunday, January 18, saying congressional Republicans did not back President Donald Trump’s threats to take control of Greenland.

Appearing on NBC’s 'Meet the Press' alongside Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), Paul told host Kristen Welker that the president stood alone on the issue. Asked whether Republicans would supply enough votes to block any action under the 'War Powers Act', Paul said there was no appetite in his party for a military move.

No support from GOP hawks

“On the war powers, or militarily invading Greenland, I’ve heard no Republican support for that,” Paul said. He stressed that resistance ran across the caucus, including among lawmakers known for hardline foreign policy views.

“Even the most hawkish members of our caucus have said they won’t support that,” he added. “So, I think it’s gonna be very difficult.” Paul said any attempts to move forward without Congress would face overwhelming political resistance.

Berating allies hurts purchasing deal

Paul criticized the president’s public posture, framing it as damaging to Trump’s own stated goal of acquiring the territory through negotiation.

“I think he keeps rattling the cage saying that,” Paul said. “But as far as trying to buy it peacefully, you don’t get purchasers to come around by berating them and telling them you’ll take it anyway.”

He added, “I don’t think that’s very successful.”

Impeachment should remain extraordinary measure

Welker asked Paul about the consequences if Trump moved ahead despite opposition, noting that Rep Don Bacon (R-NE) has suggested he could pursue impeachment if the president ordered military action against the Danish territory.

Paul declined to endorse that path. “We have these all the time,” he said, referring to constitutional disputes between the branches.

“I think it’s my job as part of Congress to discuss and check and balance the presidential powers, but I don’t think every time there’s a dispute… that that is something that we impeach people for,” he added.

Invasion not a foregone conclusion

Paul reminded viewers that he defended Trump during both impeachment trials, which he characterized as partisan. He said impeachment “should be extraordinary, not commonplace.”

Instead, Paul argued that congressional debate itself would serve as a brake on escalation. He said that he did not view a military move as inevitable precisely because “there’s not a Republican that’s come up to me and said, ‘Oh yes, I’ll back [Trump] to the hilt.’”