Democrats think they can stop Trump.
House Democrats have recently introduced a bill designed to limit President Donald Trump’s ability to use the military against three nations—Canada, Greenland, and Panama. The proposal, introduced by Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-RI), aims to prevent Trump from unilaterally taking military action against these countries, which have been subjects of the president’s controversial statements in recent months.
The bill, H.R. 1936, was put forward in response to Trump’s previous remarks suggesting he might take action to either annex or exert more control over these countries. For instance, Trump has long expressed an interest in Greenland, even before the 2020 election, stating that bringing the territory under U.S. control is not only desirable but crucial for national security. The president has also raised concerns about the potential for foreign influence in Panama, especially from China, in relation to the Panama Canal. Trump has suggested that Panama’s government has violated an agreement made with the U.S. decades ago, allowing foreign powers to increase their presence in the region.
Rep. Magaziner’s bill seeks to block the use of U.S. military funds for any operations aimed at taking control of or engaging in aggressive actions toward Canada, Greenland, or Panama. With eight Democratic cosponsors, the bill is unlikely to move forward, given the divided political climate in Congress. However, it reflects the growing concern among some lawmakers about the president’s approach to foreign policy and military intervention.
Magaziner argued that the Constitution grants Congress, not the president, the authority to declare war. By introducing the “No Invading Allies Act,” Magaziner asserts that unnecessary military engagements with U.S. allies—such as the ones Trump has discussed—are dangerous and serve no real purpose in enhancing American security. According to the congressman, this bill is a clear message that Congress will not allow the president to drag America into conflicts that would risk American lives and resources.