WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Donald Trump, the president-elect, has reignited controversial discussions about U.S. control of strategic territories such as Greenland and the Panama Canal. After unsuccessful attempts during his previous term, Trump is making headlines once again by asserting the need for U.S. ownership of Greenland, labeling it as "an absolute necessity" for national security.
Trump's statements come as he also claims the U.S. is being "ripped off" by Panama due to high shipping costs associated with the canal. During his announcement of a new ambassador to Denmark, he made clear his stance: "For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity," he stated, pointing to geopolitical interests.
Greenland, the world's largest island, remains largely autonomous but is still under Danish sovereignty. Its head of government, Múte Bourup Egede, responded to Trump's renewed overtures, emphasizing, "Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale." This rhetoric not only asserts Greenland’s status but also counters any notion of U.S. territorial ambitions.
Turning the conversation to the Panama Canal, Trump's controversial claims included the assertion of purported Chinese military presence within the canal zone. He posted on his Truth Social account, stating, "Merry Christmas to all, including to the wonderful soldiers of China, who are lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal." This statement prompted immediate backlash from Panama's President José Raúl Mulino.
Mulino firmly refuted Trump's claims, calling them "nonsense." He stated, "There is not a single Chinese soldier in the canal," reinforcing Panama's sovereignty over the waterway. The canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, has been under Panamanian control since 1999, following the U.S.'s decision to fully relinquish it as outlined in the 1977 treaties signed by President Jimmy Carter.
With increasing tensions surrounding these claims, Trump has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with Panama's shipping fees, which have seen significant increases due to economic pressures, particularly droughts affecting canal operations this year. "The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, highly unfair," Trump declared, threatening to reclaim full U.S. control over the canal again if the situation does not improve. He stated, "If the principles, both moral and legal, of this magnanimous gesture of giving are not followed, then we will demand the Panama Canal be returned to the United States of America, in full, quickly and without question."
Panama's capacity as the primary regional shipping hub is underlined by the fact it facilitates around 14,000 ships annually. Amid Trump's claims, Mulino firmly stated, "The canal is Panamanian and belongs to Panamanians. There's no possibility of opening any kind of conversation around this reality," indicating no willingness on the part of Panama to entertain discussions about ceding control back to the U.S.
Trump’s comments have evidently placed both Greenland and Panama at the forefront of U.S. foreign policy debates once more. Political analysts note this tactic reflects Trump's characteristic negotiation style, where exaggeration may lead to tangible concessions. Political science professor Stephen Farnsworth from the University of Mary Washington explained, "What Trump wants is a win, and even if the American flag doesn't raise over Greenland, Europeans may be more willing to say yes to something else because of the pressure."
The Danish government has tried to remain diplomatic, stating, "We look forward to welcoming the new American ambassador and to working with the new administration," reminding Trump of existing cooperative frameworks rather than outright sales of territories.
These territorial ambitions posed by Trump reflect not just on his administration's priorities but also on how they could impact long-term U.S. relations with key allies. The back-and-forth amid rising shipping costs and national security concerns highlights the complex interplay of historical legacies and current geopolitical tensions.
While it remains unclear how serious Trump is about these annexation efforts, both Greenland and Panama are left to grapple with the ramifications of his proclamations. Whether these assertions lead to real changes or are mere bargaining chips intended to negotiate other concessions is yet to be seen.
For now, officials from both Denmark and Panama have firmly negated any notion of selling or relinquishing control, setting the stage for potential diplomatic challenges and heightened tensions as Trump’s administration embarks on its foreign policy agenda.
