The Universe | U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has caused global uproar with controversial remarks suggesting he might not rule out military or economic measures to assert U.S. control over the Panama Canal and pursue the purchase of Greenland.
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During a press conference on Tuesday, Trump was asked to assure the international community that the U.S. would not resort to coercive tactics to claim these territories. His response was noncommittal: “No, I can’t assure you on either of those two. But I can say this, we need them for economic security.”
Territorial Ambitions
Trump reiterated his interest in acquiring Greenland, citing its strategic importance for national security. Denmark has already rejected the possibility of selling the self-governing territory, but Trump hinted at imposing tariffs on Danish goods if his proposal is denied.
“I think Greenland is vital to us. It is crucial for our security, and if Denmark does not agree to a deal, we will take other actions,” he said, leaving the specifics of those actions unclear.
Adding to his expansionist rhetoric, Trump also floated the idea of integrating Canada into the United States, citing dissatisfaction with trade expenditures and military support for America’s northern neighbor.
The Panama Canal and Gulf of Mexico
Trump’s comments extended to the Panama Canal, which the U.S. controlled until its transfer to Panama in 1999. While Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino has firmly rejected any notion of U.S. reclamation, Trump’s statements reignited longstanding tensions over the strategic waterway.
In another provocative suggestion, Trump proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America,” echoing his earlier stance to rename Denali back to Mount McKinley, a move criticized for disregarding indigenous heritage.
NATO and Defense Spending
The president-elect also renewed calls for NATO allies to significantly increase defense spending. He proposed a new target of 5% of GDP, far above the current 2% commitment, arguing that greater contributions are essential for collective security.
“NATO should be at 5%, not 2%. They can afford it, and it’s essential for our security,” he stated.
Global and Domestic Reactions
Trump’s remarks have drawn sharp criticism from foreign governments and U.S. lawmakers. Denmark and Panama have both rejected any possibility of yielding sovereignty over Greenland or the Panama Canal. Meanwhile, analysts warn that such rhetoric risks straining alliances and destabilizing global relations.
Domestically, Trump’s expansionist vision has fueled heated debates among lawmakers. While some view his approach as prioritizing national security and economic interests, others see it as reckless and destabilizing.
A Controversial Start
With just weeks until his inauguration on January 20, Trump’s unorthodox statements have raised questions about the trajectory of his presidency. From territorial ambitions to calls for reshaping global alliances, his remarks suggest a dramatic shift in U.S. foreign policy that could reshape the global landscape.
