By Gloria Ogbonna
During an appearance Sunday on CBS’s Face the Nation, Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) firmly stated that President Donald Trump does not have the legal authority to use U.S. military force to seize territory belonging to a NATO ally, warning that such rhetoric is already creating serious strain within the alliance.
Speaking in the context of recent comments involving Greenland and broader Arctic security issues, Turner emphasized that any suggestion of military action against a NATO country runs directly counter to U.S. law, international norms, and longstanding American values.
“In the Arctic itself, and with respect to Greenland, there certainly is no authority that the president has to use military force to seize territory from a NATO country,” Turner said. “This is deeply problematic.”
Turner noted that the president’s statements have sparked concern among U.S. allies and risk undermining trust within NATO, an alliance built on collective defense, mutual respect for sovereignty, and shared democratic principles.
According to Turner, allies are now questioning what such comments might signal about America’s future commitments.
“This has caused tension among the alliance,” he continued. “There is going to be ongoing discussion among all of our allies about what this could mean. People need to understand the basic principles involved here. America still stands for democracy. America still stands for the self-determination of peoples and the sovereignty of other nations. Those are core values.”
The Ohio congressman warned that the fallout from these remarks could extend beyond NATO unity and into other areas of U.S. foreign policy, potentially weakening Trump’s ability to lead on major international challenges.
Turner said allies are increasingly uneasy about how such statements could affect U.S. credibility on key diplomatic efforts, including peace initiatives involving Gaza, Ukraine, and Russia. He argued that Trump’s effectiveness in these areas depends heavily on cooperation from allied nations.
“He needs our allies,” Turner said. “He needs them as a base for rallying international support. When that trust is shaken, it puts his broader peace principles and leadership at risk.”
The congressman also highlighted potential economic consequences, particularly regarding trade relations with the European Union. Turner revealed that a major trade agreement with the EU—one that could have eliminated tariffs entirely—now appears to be in jeopardy.
Margaret Brennan, host of Face the Nation, interjected that European leaders are now threatening to derail the deal altogether.
“That monumental agreement to go to zero tariffs with the EU is at risk,” Turner confirmed. “On top of that, the president has prospectively said he may impose new tariffs. That combination has people very concerned.”
Turner concluded by saying the U.S. has entered a period of heightened diplomatic uncertainty, one that will require sustained dialogue and reassurance to repair strained relationships.
“There will be a period of discussion and engagement,” he said. “But the concerns from our allies are real, and the stakes for diplomacy, security, and trade are extremely high.”
Source Breitbart