Trump Refuses to Rule Out Force in Greenland and Panama Canal Disputes

Donald Trump’s latest broadside against Mexico came as he spoke to reporters from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida

Donald Trump has declined to rule out using force to acquire Greenland or assume control of the Panama Canal. He also proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.”

In a lively press conference held less than two weeks before his inauguration, the US president-elect emphasized his readiness to leverage economic and military power against traditional allies to enhance national security and pursue territorial expansion.

When asked if he would categorically rule out military or economic coercion to claim Greenland or the Panama Canal, Trump responded, “No, I can’t assure you on either of those two. But I can say this: we need them for economic security... We need Greenland for national security reasons.”

Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Trump threatened to impose steep tariffs on Denmark unless it relinquished control of Greenland, a territory he unsuccessfully attempted to purchase during his first term.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated on Tuesday that Greenland, an autonomous region within Denmark, is “not for sale.” However, she emphasized her commitment to Arctic cooperation with the United States. Reacting to Trump’s remarks, Frederiksen called the US Denmark’s “most important and closest ally” but dismissed the notion of military or economic coercion as implausible.

Trump’s interest in Greenland dates back to 2019. The island, home to 56,000 residents, is strategically critical to the Arctic region.

He also underscored the importance of US control over the Panama Canal, a waterway constructed by the US more than a century ago. “The Panama Canal is vital to our country,” Trump said. “It’s being operated by China... And we gave the Panama Canal to Panama, not to China.” (Note: Panama, not China, operates the canal.)

In another controversial statement, Trump suggested that annexing Canada would be beneficial, emphasizing it would be achieved through “economic force” rather than military action. “You get rid of that artificially drawn line, and it’s better for national security. Don’t forget, we essentially protect Canada,” he added.

Citing trade deficits and immigration concerns, Trump announced plans to impose higher tariffs on both Canada and Mexico. “We’re going to put very serious tariffs on Mexico and Canada... then we’ll want to get along with everybody,” he said.

Additionally, he proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico, claiming, “We’re going to call it the Gulf of America. What a beautiful name, and it’s appropriate.”

Labeling Mexico as a “very dangerous place” controlled by drug cartels, Trump criticized its role in facilitating illegal immigration into the United States.

Mexico and Canada Push Back on Trump’s Proposals

Mexico has experienced an unprecedented wave of homicides since 2009, with organized crime groups expanding from drug and migrant trafficking into oil theft and extortion.

When Trump initially proposed tariffs on Mexico and Canada shortly after his 2016 election victory, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum hinted at possible retaliatory measures. While both leaders later described their discussions as cordial, Sheinbaum is now bracing for mass deportations, trade restrictions, and increased US pressure to combat cartels.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau dismissed Trump’s suggestion of annexation on social media, stating, “There isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States.” Trudeau also highlighted the mutual benefits of the US-Canada trading and security partnership.