McCaul warns U.S. invasion of Greenland would spark NATO war

On January 18, 2026, Republican Representative Michael McCaul cautioned that any U.S. military invasion to seize Greenland would trigger NATO’s Article 5 defense clause, potentially ending the alliance. McCaul, chairman emeritus of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said President Trump’s recent tariffs on eight European NATO allies and calls for force to ‘take’ Greenland are a land‑grab, not a security measure. He noted the U.S. already has a treaty granting full access to Greenland, eliminating the need for an invasion. Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen echoed McCaul’s stance, urging Congress to invoke the War Powers Resolution and cut funding for any Greenland operation. The debate reflects growing concern over Trump’s foreign policy moves, including threats in Iran and elsewhere.