Palm Beach: President-elect Donald Trump has hinted at bold, expansionist moves, including regaining control of the Panama Canal and acquiring Greenland.
During a press conference, Trump declined to rule out military or economic coercion to achieve these goals, citing “economic security.”
He argued that the U.S. needs strategic control over both Greenland and the Panama Canal, vital for national interests.
Tariffs and Name Changes
Trump vowed to pressure Denmark, proposing tariffs if it resists selling Greenland, which Denmark says is not for sale.
Revisiting an earlier announcement, he reaffirmed plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico to “Gulf of America.”
“This new name is fitting for our region and territory,” Trump stated, echoing earlier renaming proposals.
NATO Spending and Canada
Trump also reiterated plans to make Canada a U.S. state, criticizing current U.S. trade and defense investments there.
Additionally, he suggested NATO members raise defense spending from the current 2% of GDP to 5%.
He stressed, “They can afford it, and it strengthens collective security.”
A Controversial Agenda
Trump’s remarks reflect his expansionist ambitions ahead of his Jan. 20 inauguration. Officials from Mexico, Denmark, and Panama have yet to comment.
Panama has historically dismissed relinquishing control of the canal, handed over to the nation in 1999.
