President-elect Donald Trump, during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago on January 7, 2025, refused to rule out the possibility of using military force to secure U.S. control of Greenland or regain authority over the Panama Canal. Trump’s remarks underscore his administration’s focus on reasserting American dominance over key strategic territories.
Strategic Importance
When pressed on whether he would commit to non-military means for acquiring Greenland or the Panama Canal, Trump stated, “I can’t assure you on either of those two, but I can say this: we need them for economic and military security. The Panama Canal was built for our military, and we shouldn’t have let it go.”
Trump expressed frustration over China’s influence on the Panama Canal, saying, “The Panama Canal is vital to our country. Right now, it’s being operated by China. That was never the deal, and we need to protect our interests.”
On Greenland, he reaffirmed its strategic importance due to its natural resources and geographic location. “Greenland has incredible value for our national security and energy independence,” Trump noted, without elaborating on specific plans.
International Reactions
Trump’s comments have drawn predictable responses from the nations involved. Panama’s Foreign Minister, Javier Martínez-Acha, reiterated the canal’s sovereignty, stating, “The Panama Canal is Panamanian and will remain so.”
Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, also dismissed the idea of ceding Greenland, reaffirming that “Greenland’s decisions rest solely with its people.”
While some allies have expressed concern over the potential implications of these statements, Trump’s supporters see his stance as a bold approach to protecting American strategic interests.
A Familiar Strategy
Trump’s remarks follow his earlier attempts during his first term to purchase Greenland, a move that drew widespread attention and debate. His administration cited Greenland’s untapped natural resources and strategic location in the Arctic as critical assets for the U.S.
With regard to the Panama Canal, Trump’s concerns echo long-standing arguments among national security hawks that control of the canal is crucial to safeguarding American shipping routes and military readiness.
Looking Ahead
As Trump prepares to take office, his comments signal a potential shift toward a more assertive foreign policy, aimed at reclaiming what he sees as critical to U.S. dominance. Whether this rhetoric translates into action remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Trump’s administration intends to challenge the status quo in global geopolitics.
Supporters of Trump’s remarks argue that prioritizing American interests, especially in strategic territories, is long overdue. Critics, however, warn that such aggressive posturing could strain international relations. Trump, undeterred by such warnings, has made it clear: “We will do what is necessary to protect America’s future.”
? BREAKING: Trump says that he may use economic leverage or the U.S. military to take control of the Panama Canal and Greenland. pic.twitter.com/q5dUMD0bR1
— Ryan Saavedra (@RealSaavedra) January 7, 2025