Greenland Takeover: Trump Eyes Canada and Panama Too
Donald Trump, known for his aggressive rhetoric, has issued bold statements even before assuming the U.S. presidency. His latest claims include potentially taking over Greenland and the Panama Canal using economic pressure or even military action if necessary. Trump has also expressed a desire to erase the border with Canada and incorporate it as the 51st state of the United States.
Greenland Takeover Aspirations
Trump’s ambitions regarding Greenland have resurfaced. During a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, he emphasized Greenland’s strategic importance. “For years, I’ve been saying we need Greenland for national security. It’s surrounded by Chinese and Russian ships. The people of Greenland themselves don’t even know if Denmark has legitimate authority over them. If they had a vote, they’d choose independence or join the U.S.,” Trump stated.
While Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., labeled his recent trip to Greenland’s capital Nuuk as a personal visit, it coincided with heightened tensions between the U.S. and Denmark over the island. Greenland, though politically tied to Denmark, is geographically closer to the U.S., making it a key focus for Trump’s geopolitical strategy. The island, covered 80% by ice, is rich in untapped natural resources like oil, gas, and rare earth metals, which Trump sees as critical for maintaining global dominance.
Panama Canal Concerns
The Panama Canal is another focal point of Trump’s strategy. He criticized Panama for what he perceives as misuse of the canal, now under Chinese influence. “The Panama Canal was built for our military, and now it’s being misused by China. This wasn’t the purpose of giving the canal back to Panama,” Trump declared, hinting at possible actions to regain control.
Canada: The 51st U.S. State?
Trump’s comments about Canada were perhaps the most startling. He reiterated plans to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian goods and argued for the unification of the two countries. “Imagine a United States without an artificial border with Canada. It would be much better for national security. Don’t forget, we are the ones providing their defense,” Trump remarked.
Outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau strongly dismissed these remarks, calling them baseless and asserting Canada’s sovereignty. However, Trump’s comments have sparked widespread debate and criticism in both countries.
Mexico in Trump’s Crosshairs
Mexico, too, was not spared from Trump’s rhetoric. He proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America,” emphasizing U.S. dominance in the region. “We’ll set a date soon to make this change. It’s our gulf. ‘Gulf of America’—what a perfect name,” Trump announced.
Global Reactions
Denmark and Panama responded sharply to Trump’s threats. Denmark’s officials reiterated that Greenland is not for sale, with Greenland Affairs MP Aaja Chemnitz stating, “No one can buy us. Greenland is not and will never be for sale.” Panama’s Foreign Minister Javier Martinez emphasized, “The Panama Canal’s sovereignty is non-negotiable. It is part of our history and identity.”
Greenland, with its population of 56,000, remains a focal point for global powers like the U.S., Russia, and China. The melting ice is expected to unlock vast mineral wealth, making it a lucrative target. Experts believe Trump’s urgency stems from preventing Greenland from falling into rival hands.
Why Greenland Matters
Despite its icy landscape, Greenland holds immense economic and strategic value. Beneath its snow-covered surface lie billions of barrels of oil, trillions of cubic feet of natural gas, and rare earth minerals vital for modern technology. Melting ice due to climate change is expected to make resource extraction feasible in the near future.
Seth Borenstein, an expert from the Associated Press, remarked, “Greenland has no crowds, no trees, but it has what the world wants—oil, gas, and rare metals. The U.S. Geological Survey confirms that Greenland’s untapped resources are monumental.”
Russia and China have also shown interest in Greenland, with China seeking new Arctic shipping routes. Trump’s push to acquire Greenland reflects his intent to secure these resources and strengthen U.S. dominance.
