Janice R. Andrews
Mar-a-Lago, Florida — President-elect Donald Trump raised concerns at a press conference by suggesting he might consider military action to take control of Greenland and the Panama Canal. This marks a significant shift from traditional U.S. foreign policy, which has typically prioritized diplomacy over territorial expansion.
The remarks, made during his second press conference since winning the election, came just weeks before his inauguration on January 20. Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago club, Trump described the U.S. decision to give up control of the Panama Canal as “a mistake” and left open the possibility of using economic or military pressure to reclaim it.
When asked if he would commit to avoiding such actions, Trump replied, “I won’t commit to that,” suggesting that force might not be off the table.
Greenland’s Strategic Value
Trump also reiterated his controversial stance on Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark, which he suggested the U.S. should acquire for its national security. “I don’t know if Denmark has any legal right to it, but if they do, they should give it up because we need it for national security,” he stated.
Denmark has consistently rejected the notion of selling Greenland, with Greenlandic Prime Minister Mute Egede reaffirming in December that the island is “not for sale.” Trump proposed imposing high tariffs on Denmark if they refused to discuss the matter, potentially escalating tensions with the Nordic nation.
Greenland, once a Danish colony, holds significant strategic and natural resources. Calls for Greenland’s independence have been growing, with Egede supporting the idea of an independence referendum.
Reclaiming the Panama Canal
Trump also criticized the U.S. decision to hand over the Panama Canal in 1999 under the Torrijos-Carter Treaties. “Giving it away was a mistake,” he remarked, implying that reclaiming it would be in the U.S.’s best interests.
Though Trump stopped short of pledging military action, his refusal to dismiss the possibility signals a willingness to use coercion to achieve U.S. territorial objectives.
Expansionist Plans for North America
Trump’s remarks extended to Canada, where he suggested the country should join the United States. “We’re spending hundreds of billions a year to take care of Canada,” he argued, proposing that economic pressure could bring about this unification without military force.
Reversing Biden’s Energy Policies
Trump also criticized President Joe Biden’s recent ban on offshore drilling, pledging to reverse it on his first day in office. “Drill, baby, drill,” he declared, adding that he would push to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” as part of his broader energy agenda.
Biden’s move, which protected over 625 million acres of federal waters from energy exploration, was aimed at environmental conservation. Trump dismissed the action, stating he would challenge it in court if needed.
Consequences of Trump’s Bold Stance
Trump’s comments suggest a dramatic departure from longstanding U.S. foreign and domestic policies, which have focused on diplomacy, environmental protection, and multilateral cooperation. Critics warn that his approach could strain relations with key allies and lead to heightened international tensions.
As Trump prepares to take office, his aggressive rhetoric and assertive policy agenda indicate a contentious start to his presidency. His willingness to consider military action and economic pressure for territorial gains represents a stark shift in U.S. foreign policy, raising questions about the future direction of his administration.
