Trump is going to return the Panama Canal, buy Greenland and annex Canada to the US

At 9,8 million square kilometers, the United States is the world's fourth-largest country. But President-elect Donald Trump seems intent on pushing the United States to the top spot. His territorial ambitions include Canada, Greenland, and the Panama Canal.

Photo: Cttpnetwork | Dreamstime.com

"Return" the Panama Canal

Donald Trump suggested on December 22 that his administration might seek to regain control of the Panama Canal, which the United States “foolishly” ceded to its Central American ally Panama. He claims that shipping companies are being charged “outrageous” fees to pass through the canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, writes Associated Press.

Speaking to supporters at a Turning Point USA event in Arizona, Trump listed the problems his “dream cabinet” would solve, including the Panama Canal.

"We are being robbed at the Panama Canal," he said, lamenting that the US "stupidly gave it away."

The U.S. built the canal in the early 1900s in an effort to make it easier for commercial and military vessels to pass between its two coasts. Washington handed over control of the waterway to Panama on Dec. 31, 1999, under a treaty signed in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter.

Panama is an important U.S. ally, and the canal is critical to its economy, providing about a fifth of the government's annual revenue.

However, Trump said that once his second term begins, "if the principles, both moral and legal, of this magnanimous gesture of transfer are not upheld, then we will demand that the Panama Canal be immediately and unconditionally returned to the full control of the United States of America."

"I'm not going to stand for this," Trump added. "So, Panamanian officials, please take note."

He did not explain how he planned to return the channel.

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Shortly after Trump's speech, Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino released a video declaring that "every square meter of the canal belongs to Panama and will continue to belong" to it.

Trump posted a response on his social media: "We'll see what happens!" He also posted a photo of an American flag planted in the Canal Zone with the phrase "Welcome to the USA Canal!"

Screenshot from Truth Social

Buy Greenland

Trump also renewed calls made during his first term to buy Greenland from Denmark.

In a statement on December 22 announcing the future ambassador to Denmark, Trump wrote that "in the interests of national security and freedom throughout the world, the United States of America believes that its control of Greenland is absolutely essential."

Greenland, the world’s largest island, lies between the Atlantic and Arctic oceans. It is 80% covered by ice and is home to a major US military base. Greenland gained autonomy from Denmark in 1979, and its prime minister, Mute Borup Egede, said Trump’s new calls for US control were as meaningless as those he made in his first term.

"Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and we will never be for sale," he said. "We must not lose our long struggle for freedom."

The Danish Prime Minister's Office said in turn that the government "looks forward to welcoming the new American ambassador" and looks forward to "cooperating with the new administration."

"In a complex political and security environment such as the one we are currently experiencing, transatlantic cooperation is essential," the statement said, adding that the government had no comment on Greenland other than to say "it is not for sale but is open to cooperation."

Trump canceled a visit to Denmark in 2019 after his offer to buy Greenland was rejected by Copenhagen, leaving the issue hanging in the air.

"Canadians want to become the 51st state"

Trump's diatribes over Greenland and Panama follow a recent post in which he wrote that "Canadians want Canada to be the 51st state" and included a photo of himself standing on a mountain peak next to a Canadian flag.

The same idea Trump told Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during their meeting shortly after the presidential election. She even suggested that Trudeau become "governor" of Canada. Trudeau thought Trump was joking.

Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor, said Trump's actions toward friendly countries were reminiscent of the aggressive style he used in business.

"You ask for something that is completely unreasonable, and so the likelihood that you'll get something less unreasonable increases," said Farnsworth, who is also the author of "Presidential Communication and Character."

“Canada is not going to be part of the United States, but Trump’s comments are more likely to be used to extract concessions from Canada, especially given the difficult political situation there,” Farnsworth said. “Maybe he wants to get something in trade negotiations, or tougher border rules, or something else.”

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He added that the situation with Greenland is similar.

"Even if the American flag doesn't fly over Greenland, Europeans may be more willing to agree to something else under pressure from Trump," Farnsworth explained.

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