The article analyzes Donald Trump's repeated assertions about acquiring Greenland, arguing his intentions are serious and not mere rhetoric. This is evidenced by White House planning and statements to Congress.
Acquiring Greenland would likely violate American and international law, undermining peace and stability with a NATO ally and potentially leading to a major civil-military crisis within the U.S. It would constitute a war of aggression, a violation of the UN Charter.
The article discusses several scenarios: a direct military seizure, which would be illegal and cause significant internal conflict; and a more subtle approach using existing basing agreements, exploiting ambiguity to increase military presence. The firing of key military lawyers is cited as a concerning aspect.
The article emphasizes that senior military leaders have a moral obligation to refuse illegal orders. The author calls for Congress to intervene, preventing the military from being placed in a legally and ethically untenable position. The conclusion urges Americans to take Trump seriously and address this potential crisis proactively.