The Crisis Room Q&A: Trump’s new landscape - Venezuela, Greenland, military illegal orders and rare earth minerals
Jan 12, 2026
This discussion dives into President Trump's evolving impact on global politics. It examines the legality of capturing Nicolás Maduro and the implications for American military personnel concerning illegal orders. The hosts explore NATO's potential response to a US move on Greenland and how these tensions might encourage European defense independence. Additionally, there’s skepticism about the practicality of a rare earth minerals deal in Ukraine, labeled by one host as 'nonsense,' sparking a critical look at its strategic value.
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Prepare Troops To Refuse Illegal Orders
- Officers must discuss legality of orders with troops and emphasise the oath to the Constitution.
- Enlisted personnel typically follow local leaders, so senior officers should prepare subordinates to refuse illegal orders.
Constitution Over Personality
- The constitution, not the president, is the ultimate authority for US officers and intelligence officers sworn to an oath.
- Intimidation by a president can still pressure leaders, making personal courage in the officer class critical.
Dangerous Rhetoric Lowers Restraint
- Rhetoric from senior White House aides labelling opponents as 'domestic terrorism' raises the risk of norm-breaking actions.
- Such language can create a pathway for extraordinary measures against political opponents.