Trump Pushes for US Territorial Expansion, Citing National Security and Economic Concerns
President-elect Donald Trump has continued to advocate for the US to acquire Greenland and reclaim control of the Panama Canal, describing both as essential for national and economic security.
When asked by a reporter whether he would rule out military or economic force to achieve these goals, Trump responded, “No, I can’t assure you on either of those two. But I can say this: we need them for economic security.”
The remarks, delivered during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, raised questions about whether Trump was serious or employing a negotiating tactic. Both Denmark and Panama have categorically rejected any proposals to cede territory.
Trump further escalated controversy by suggesting the annexation of Canada, calling the US-Canada border an “artificially drawn line.” He criticized Canada for benefiting from US defense spending and importing goods such as cars, lumber, and dairy products into the United States.
“They should be a state,” he declared, prompting a swift rebuttal from outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who stated there was “not a snowball’s chance in hell” of merging with the US.
The press conference, initially intended to announce a $20 billion investment by Dubai-based Damac Properties in US data centers, veered into other topics, including Trump’s disdain for environmental regulations, the legal cases against him, and his proposal to rename the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America.” He also reiterated his opposition to wind power, claiming that turbines are “driving the whales crazy.”
Meanwhile, Donald Trump Jr. visited Greenland, describing his trip as a “personal day” with no planned meetings with local officials. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen responded by affirming that Greenland belongs to its people and is not for sale.
Greenland holds strategic military and economic value, lying on the shortest route from North America to Europe and hosting significant deposits of rare earth minerals vital for modern technology. Trump argued the island is crucial for monitoring Chinese and Russian activities in the region, stating, “I’m talking about protecting the free world.”
On the Panama Canal, Trump labeled its transfer to Panama as a “big mistake” and claimed, without evidence, that it is now controlled by China. Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino refuted these claims, asserting there is “absolutely no Chinese interference” in the canal’s operations.
The canal, built by the US in the early 1900s, was gradually returned to Panama under treaties negotiated during the Carter administration. Trump criticized the decision, stating, “[Carter] was a good man… but that was a big mistake.”
The president- Trump continues to push for US territorial expansion, intensifying efforts to assert control over Greenland and the Panama Canal. Citing national security and economic concerns, the president-elect’s intentions have sparked widespread debate. However, the feasibility of such ambitions, including annexing territories like Canada, remains highly doubtful. elect’s rhetoric has sparked widespread debate over his intentions, with many questioning the feasibility of such territorial ambitions. Despite his assertions, the practicality of annexing territories like Canada or Greenland remains highly doubtful.
During the conference, Trump also repeated several debunked claims, including a conspiracy theory alleging Hezbollah’s involvement in the 2021 Capitol riot, adding to the controversy surrounding his remarks.
