Donald Trump has put forth bold proposals to acquire both Greenland and the Panama Canal, tying his ambitions to national security concerns. During his recent announcements, Trump described the possession of these territories as 'an absolute necessity' for the United States.
These statements stem from his nomination of Ken Howery, co-founder of PayPal, as the new U.S. ambassador to Denmark, from where Greenland is controlled. Trump has been vocal about his interest in Greenland before, with reports dating back to 2019 when he first entertained the idea of purchasing the territory, only to see the Danish government firmly declare it was not for sale.
According to Trump, "For reasons of national security and freedom around the world, the United States of America considers the possession and control of Greenland to be an absolute necessity"—a remark shared on his platform Truth Social. The underlying motivations for his belief center around the strategic importance of Greenland, particularly as global tensions rise with nations like Russia, which has shown interest in the area.
The prospect of acquiring Greenland is not merely about land; it encompasses broader geopolitical power plays. The island's vast resources and strategic location might serve U.S. military and economic interests as climate change opens up new shipping routes and as countries vie for influence over Arctic resources.
On the other hand, Trump has also expressed intentions toward the Panama Canal, another strategic asset with historical ties to U.S. interests. Speaking at a rally, he argued, "The tariffs charged are ridiculous, especially considering the extraordinary generosity granted to Panama by the United States." He criticized former President Jimmy Carter for the 1977 treaty under which control of the canal was transferred to Panama, lamenting the U.S. loss of sovereignty over the passage.
Trump's claims come amid growing concerns about China's increasing influence over the Canal, which he sees as jeopardizing U.S. commerce and security. He suggested he would work to reassess treaties and agreements made with Panama, insisting, "We have to take back control of the canal because it is fundamental for U.S. trade and rapid deployment of the Navy during emergencies for security."
Panama President José Raúl Mulino responded sharply to Trump's remarks, emphasizing his nation’s sovereignty: "Every square meter of the Canal belongs to Panama and will continue to belong to Panama." He highlighted the historical significance of the territory to the Panamanian identity, stating, "This is part of our history of struggle and irreversible conquest."
The Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, has been under Panamanian control since the early 2000s after the U.S. relinquished rights as part of the Torrijos-Carter treaties. Each year, the canal handles around three-quarters of the global cargo traffic, making it economically significant.
Reactions to Trump’s rhetoric suggest he may face significant diplomatic challenges, especially if he attempts to reinstate U.S. control over areas considered sovereign by other nations. Critics argue such ambitions reflect a retrograde view of international relations, where might is equated with right.
Whether these ambitions translate to actionable policy as Trump resumes the presidency remains to be seen. His interests do reflect broader themes of American exceptionalism, the desire to reclaim perceived losses on the global stage—both of which could redefine U.S. foreign policy priorities.
Looking forward, Trump's track record and determination to pursue aggressive strategies on issues like Greenland and the Panama Canal signal potential shifts not only for the U.S. but also its relationships with key allies and neighboring countries. Observers will be closely watching for developments as Trump readies to re-enter the political arena.
