President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday stirred international tensions by refusing to rule out the use of military force to seize control of Greenland and the Panama Canal, asserting that both territories are critical to U.S. national security. Speaking at a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Trump also suggested expanding the United States' territorial ambitions, including economic integration with Canada and renaming the Gulf of Mexico.
When asked directly if he would commit to non-military means for acquiring Greenland or the Panama Canal, Trump declined. "I'm not going to commit to that," he said. "The Panama Canal is vital to our country. We need Greenland for national security purposes." These remarks underscore a sharp departure from traditional U.S. foreign policy, which has emphasized self-determination and alliances over territorial expansion.
Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, houses the U.S. Thule Air Base and has been considered strategically important due to its Arctic location. Trump appeared to question Denmark's sovereignty over Greenland, while Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen maintained her country's alliance with the U.S. and reiterated respect for Greenlandic self-rule. The United States is Denmark's "most important and closest ally," Frederiksen said, adding that any Arctic cooperation must prioritize the rights of Greenland's people.
The situation surrounding the Panama Canal is similarly fraught. Trump criticized the 1977 treaty brokered by former President Jimmy Carter, which transferred control of the canal to Panama. "The Panama Canal was built for our military. I'm not going to commit to that, no ... It might be that you'll have to do something," Trump remarked, lamenting what he described as Chinese influence over the strategic waterway. Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha reaffirmed the canal's sovereignty, stating, "The sovereignty of our canal is not negotiable and is part of our history of struggle and an irreversible conquest."
Trump's comments have prompted significant pushback from leaders of the implicated nations. Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly dismissed Trump's musings about annexing Canada as the United States' 51st state, stating, "We will never back down in the face of threats." Outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau added, "There isn't a snowball's chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States."
Despite the international criticism, Trump has doubled down on his vision of territorial expansion, casting it as a means to bolster U.S. security and economic dominance. "The reception has been great. They, and the Free World, need safety, security, strength, and PEACE! This is a deal that must happen. MAGA. MAKE GREENLAND GREAT AGAIN!" Trump said, framing his remarks as part of a broader "Golden Age of America."
Adding to the controversy, Trump announced plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America," a move he described as "symbolic of our strength and unity." The Gulf, a vital economic and geopolitical region, has been identified as the Gulf of Mexico since the 16th century. Trump argued the new name has a "beautiful ring to it."
Trump's comments come amid mounting friction over his transition to power. The president-elect criticized President Joe Biden for actions he claimed undermine the incoming administration, including Biden's recent decision to ban offshore drilling in significant federal waters. "I'm going to put it back on day one," Trump vowed, hinting at possible legal challenges.
The remarks also reignite concerns over Trump's stance on NATO. Trump called for alliance members to increase defense spending to 5% of their GDP, a dramatic increase from the current 2% target. While NATO allies have made progress toward existing spending goals, Trump's demands could strain relationships within the alliance.
Meanwhile, Trump's territorial ambitions have also drawn skepticism domestically. Critics, including members of Congress and foreign policy experts, warn that such rhetoric could escalate tensions with allies and adversaries alike. Some have questioned whether Trump's approach aligns with U.S. values and strategic interests, particularly in light of global efforts to address shared challenges such as climate change and international security.
