- U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has refused to rule out military or economic measures to acquire Greenland and regain control of the Panama Canal, signaling a dramatic shift in U.S. foreign policy priorities.
- Trump's comments sparked international concern, particularly from Denmark and Panama, who have rejected his proposals, while supporters, such as Elon Musk, have expressed support for his ideas.
- Greenland, home to a significant U.S. military base, is strategically positioned on the shortest route between North America and Europe, with Trump describing it as an "absolute necessity" for U.S. national security.
- Trump's push for the Panama Canal highlights the ongoing debate over sovereignty and has been met with strong resistance from the Panamanian government.
- The broader implications of Trump's expansionist agenda raise concerns about potential diplomatic fallout and the strain on U.S. relations with key allies, as the world watches the future of U.S. foreign policy under his leadership.
In a bold and unconventional move, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has refused to rule out military or economic measures to acquire Greenland and regain control of the Panama Canal, signaling a dramatic shift in U.S. foreign policy priorities.
On Tuesday, Jan. 7, at a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Trump framed these ambitions as critical to U.S. economic and national security. His comments have sparked international concern, particularly from Denmark and Panama, who have firmly rejected his proposals.
Greenland, the world's largest island, is between the Atlantic and Arctic oceans. It is home to a significant U.S. military base and is strategically positioned on the shortest route between North America and Europe. Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in purchasing Greenland, calling it an "absolute necessity" for U.S. national security.
"People really don't even know if Denmark has any legal right to it, but if they do, they should give it up because we need it," Trump said during the press conference. His comments were met with a swift rebuke from Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who reiterated that Greenland is "not for sale" and "belongs to the Greenlanders."
Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark since 1979, has been moving toward greater autonomy. Greenlandic Prime Minister Mute Egede recently called for independence from Denmark in a New Year's speech, citing historical grievances and a desire for full equality.
"It is now time for our country to take the next step," Egede said, suggesting a potential independence referendum coinciding with parliamentary elections in April.
Trump's push to acquire Greenland has also drawn support from influential allies, including tech mogul Elon Musk, who posted on social media platform X that Greenlanders "want to be part of America" and would be "most welcome." However, such assertions have been met with skepticism, as Greenland's population of 57,000 has shown little interest in becoming part of the United States.
Trump vows to regain control of Panama Canal
Trump also vowed to regain control of the Panama Canal, a vital waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The canal, which was handed over to Panama by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter in 1977, remains a symbol of Panama's sovereignty.
In December, Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino firmly rejected Trump's claims, stating that "every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent area belongs to Panama, and it will continue to be so." Trump's refusal to rule out military or economic coercion to achieve his goals has raised alarms in Panama and beyond, with critics warning of potential diplomatic fallout.
Trump's comments on Tuesday also included a proposal to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America," a move he described as having a "beautiful ring" and being "appropriate." While the proposal appears symbolic, it reflects Trump's broader tendency to redefine geopolitical boundaries and assert U.S. dominance.
Additionally, Trump suggested turning Canada into a U.S. state, criticizing American spending on Canadian goods and military support. He called the U.S.-Canada border an "artificially drawn line" and signaled a willingness to impose tariffs on Denmark if it resisted his offer to purchase Greenland.
Trump's expansionist rhetoric echoes historical U.S. efforts to acquire strategic territories, such as the Louisiana Purchase and the Alaska Purchase.
However, critics point out that the potential implications of his proposals are far-reaching. Acquiring Greenland or the Panama Canal would require unprecedented diplomatic and economic maneuvers, likely straining U.S. relations with key allies.
As Trump prepares to take office, his comments on Greenland, the Panama Canal and the Gulf of Mexico have ignited a global debate about the future of U.S. foreign policy. While his supporters may view these proposals as bold steps to secure America's economic and national security, critics warn of the risks of alienating allies and undermining international norms.
As the world watches, one thing is clear: Trump's presidency is poised to challenge the status quo in ways that could reshape the global geopolitical landscape.
Watch this Fox News report about Trump saying buying Greenland is a "necessity."
