Trump intensifies his threats over control of Greenland and the Panama Canal.
President-elect Donald Trump continues to express strong interest in the United States’ acquisition of Greenland and the Panama Canal, saying both are vital to American national security.
Asked about the possibility of using military or economic force to take control of the autonomous Danish territory or the canal, he replied: “No, I cannot guarantee you on either one. »
“But I can say this: We need it for our economic security,” he told reporters during a lengthy news conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
Denmark and Panama strongly rejected any proposal to abandon their territories.
Trump pledged to use “economic force” in response to a question about Canada’s potential annexation, describing their mutual border as an “artificially drawn line.”
The border between the two nations is recognized as the longest in the world and was established by treaties dating back to the late 1700s, coinciding with the founding of the United States.
The president-elect noted that the United States allocates billions of dollars to protect Canada, while expressing dissatisfaction with the importation of Canadian automobiles, lumber and dairy products.
“They should constitute a state,” he told the press.
On the other hand, outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said there was “no chance in hell” of a merger between the two countries.
The press conference was originally intended to announce an economic development initiative, specifically the unveiling of a $20 billion investment by Dubai-based Damac Properties to build data centers in the United States.
However, the president-elect went on to criticize environmental regulations, the electoral system in the United States, the various legal difficulties he faces and President Joe Biden.
Among other topics, he proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America” and reiterated his opposition to wind power, saying wind turbines “drive whales crazy.”
His remarks were made while his son, Donald Trump Jr., was in Greenland.
Before reaching the capital, Nuuk, Trump Jr. said he was undertaking a “personal day trip” to engage with locals, indicating he had no meetings scheduled with government officials.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, when asked about Donald Trump Jr.’s visit to Greenland, said in an interview on Danish television that “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders” and stressed that local people should have the power to shape their own future.
She asserted that “Greenland is not for sale,” while emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong partnership with NATO allies the United States.
Geographically, Greenland is located on the most direct route between North America and Europe and is home to a major US space facility. Additionally, it is rich in rare earth minerals, essential for the production of batteries and advanced technological devices.
Trump said the island plays a vital role in military operations aimed at monitoring Chinese and Russian naval activities, which he said are widespread in the region.
“I’m talking about protecting the free world,” he told reporters.
Since his re-election, Trump has constantly revisited the notion of US territorial expansion, including the prospect of reclaiming the Panama Canal.
At a recent press conference, Trump highlighted the canal’s importance to the United States, saying it was “operated by China.”
He has previously accused the Panamanian government of imposing excessive fees on U.S. ships using the waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
In response, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino rejected Trump’s allegations, saying there was “absolutely no Chinese interference” in the canal’s operations.
The management of the two ports at the entrances to the canal is carried out by CK Hutchison Holdings, a company based in Hong Kong.
Built in the early 20th century, the canal remained under U.S. control until 1977, when treaties negotiated by President Jimmy Carter began the process of returning the territory to Panama.
“Giving the Panama Canal to Panama was a very big mistake,” Trump said. “Look, [Carter] He was a good man… But it was a big mistake.”
The extent of the president-elect’s intentions regarding US territorial expansion remains ambiguous, particularly with regard to Canada, which has a population of 41 million and ranks second in the world in terms of land area.
During the press conference, Trump reiterated several inaccuracies and particular conspiracy theories, including implying that Hezbollah, the Islamist militant organization, played a role in the 2021 Capitol riot.
Donald Trump’s continued interest in acquiring Greenland and the Panama Canal, as well as his suggestions for the use of military or economic force, raise concerns about his approach to foreign relations. His remarks, including questioning established borders and promoting controversial ideas like the annexation of Canada, reflect a disregard for diplomatic norms and international sovereignty.
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The dismissive attitude toward local populations and national leaders, as well as baseless claims about Chinese control of the Panama Canal, suggest a troubling tendency to prioritize personal agendas over cooperative global relations. Such statements only add to the uncertainty surrounding his understanding of international diplomacy and respect for the autonomy of others.