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President-elect Donald Trump made waves Tuesday with his controversial comments about potentially using military or economic measures to take control of the Panama Canal and Greenland, doubling down on earlier remarks about expanding U.S. territorial influence.
Speaking at a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort, Trump declined to rule out coercive tactics to acquire the strategically significant locations. “No, I can’t assure you on either of those two, but I can say this, we need them for economic security,” he said, framing the potential acquisitions as essential to U.S. interests.
Reviving Old Debates Over the Panama Canal
Trump’s comments come amid growing tensions with China, which has invested heavily in Panama’s infrastructure and operates two of its major ports. Trump criticized former President Jimmy Carter’s 1977 treaty relinquishing U.S. control of the canal to Panama, calling it “a big mistake” and linking it to Carter’s 1980 election loss to Ronald Reagan.
“The Panama Canal is vital to our country. It’s being operated by China,” Trump said. “We gave the Panama Canal to Panama, we didn’t give it to China. They’ve abused that gift. It should never have been made.”
Carter, who passed away last week at age 100, was a focus of Trump’s remarks. His decision on the canal, Trump argued, overshadowed the 444-day Iran hostage crisis in its impact on his presidency. A national funeral for Carter is set for Thursday in Washington, D.C.
Trump Jr.’s Greenland Visit Raises Eyebrows
Meanwhile, Donald Trump Jr. stirred speculation with a “tourist” trip to Greenland, accompanied by conservative commentator Charlie Kirk and incoming Trump administration official Sergio Gor. While Trump Jr. denied meeting with Danish or Greenlandic officials, his visit aligns with his father’s long-standing interest in acquiring the Arctic territory.
Denmark, which governs Greenland, has rejected Trump’s proposal outright. However, Greenland’s prime minister has indicated a desire for eventual independence, adding nuance to the geopolitical chess game. Trump has hinted at economic consequences for Denmark, threatening high tariffs if the country refuses to negotiate.
Canada Responds to Merger Suggestion
Trump’s territorial ambitions extended to Canada, which he suggested could become the 51st U.S. state. While he clarified that military action was off the table, he hinted at leveraging economic measures.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sharply rebuffed the idea, posting on social media, “There isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States.” His sentiment was echoed by Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly, who called Trump’s remarks a “complete misunderstanding” of Canadian identity.
The escalating tensions may have contributed to Trudeau’s resignation Monday as leader of Canada’s ruling Liberal Party. Trudeau, who will remain prime minister until a new leader is chosen, has faced mounting political challenges, exacerbated by Trump’s proposed 25 percent tariff on Canadian imports.
Renaming the Gulf of Mexico?
In a surprise twist, Trump announced plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America,” arguing the U.S. plays the most significant role in the region’s activities. “It’s appropriate,” he said, “and it has a beautiful ring.”
The announcement, paired with his reiterated vow to impose tariffs on Mexican goods, underscores his hardline stance on trade and border security. Trump emphasized his aim to “get along with everybody,” but warned, “it takes two to tango.”
Global and Domestic Fallout
Trump’s remarks have sparked swift international backlash, with critics accusing him of undermining diplomatic norms. Domestically, his comments have energized his base while drawing sharp criticism from opponents who fear an aggressive foreign policy agenda.
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