Alaska Faces a Tough Choice Over Trump’s Greenland Plan

A headline is not just sensationalism—it would be an act of war against Denmark, a NATO ally, and Greenland’s residents.

Constitutional Limits on Military Action

• War powers reside solely in Congress under Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution.
• The President can direct troops only after Congress declares war.
• Unilateral military action would violate executive limits and undermine the democratic process.

The Military’s Oath and Legal Boundaries

• Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) mandates obedience only to lawful orders.
• An order to invade Greenland would pit soldiers’ oath against the law.
• Refusal could end careers, fracture unit cohesion, and strain personal relationships.

Alaska’s Critical Role

• Home to the 11th Airborne Division and a National Guard trained for Arctic conditions.
• Alaskan troops would face an ethical dilemma if ordered to act without congressional approval.
• State lawmakers can protect service members by affirming the illegality of force against Denmark without Congress’s consent.

Legislative Safeguards

• Senator Lisa Murkowski introduced the NATO Unity Protection Act.
• Bars federal spending on attacks against NATO members without Congressional approval.
• Alaskan representatives can join, showcasing the moral courage expected of military personnel.

Bottom Line

A democratic society cannot leave its armed forces to confront this test alone. Strong congressional oversight and state-level support are essential to uphold the rule of law and protect those who defend it.