The possibility of executive overreach regarding Greenland has prompted debate in Congress, particularly following recent actions in Venezuela. The Trump administration's expressed interest in Greenland, a NATO member and long-time U.S. partner, has raised concerns about the limits of presidential power, even among some Republicans.

These concerns stem from President Trump's pursuit of unilateral executive actions, leading to questions about Congress's ability to act as a check on the executive branch. Annie Grayer, a senior reporter at CNN, discussed the Capitol Hill response and emerging fractures within the Republican party on the podcast "Today, Explained."

The situation unfolds against a backdrop of heightened executive action, including the U.S. intervention in Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. These actions have fueled speculation about potential interventions in other Latin American countries, with Greenland becoming a focal point of concern.

While the specific nature of Trump's interest in Greenland remains unclear, the administration's repeated focus on the territory has sparked protests, including a demonstration outside the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark, on January 14, 2026, where protesters carried signs reading "Greenland Belongs to the Greenlanders."

The emerging Republican dissent, though described as small but notable, signals a potential shift in the political landscape as Trump enters his final term. The extent to which Congress can or will act to restrain the executive branch regarding Greenland remains to be seen.