On Tuesday, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump made a series of controversial statements at a press conference, explicitly expressing intentions to annex Canada, Greenland, and the Panama Canal. He hinted that these objectives might be achieved through economic or military means. His remarks have sparked significant concern about the future direction of U.S. foreign policy and international relations.
Threats to Annex Greenland and the Panama Canal
When asked whether he would use force to take control of Greenland and the Panama Canal, Trump did not rule out the possibility. "I can't make any promises, but I can say that we need them to ensure economic security," he stated at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
Trump further criticized Denmark's jurisdiction over Greenland, claiming the U.S. needs this strategic resource to maintain global security. He threatened to impose high tariffs if Denmark does not relinquish Greenland. "This is to protect the free world," he said, "It's irrelevant whether Denmark has the legal right; they should give up Greenland."
Regarding the Panama Canal, Trump offered no specific plan but emphasized that the U.S. should have greater influence in the Western Hemisphere.
Proposes Making Canada the "51st State"
Trump's criticism of Canada was equally sharp. He accused the U.S. of "losing big" in trade relationships with Canada, claiming that the U.S. "subsidizes" Canada by as much as $200 billion annually. Although this figure greatly differs from the U.S. Census Bureau's reported $40.6 billion trade deficit, Trump insisted that the U.S. does not need to import any products from Canada, including lumber, dairy, and auto parts.
Trump even stated that he suggested to Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau that Canada should be incorporated into the U.S. "They should become one of our states," he said, "erasing that artificially drawn border line would greatly enhance our national security."
When asked whether he would use military force to annex Canada, Trump clearly stated, "No—through economic power." He added, "Canada is essentially protected by us."
Renaming "Gulf of Mexico" to "American Gulf"
At the press conference, Trump also proposed renaming the "Gulf of Mexico" to the "American Gulf," stating that the new name is "more beautiful and fitting." He did not disclose specific implementation plans but pointed out that this aligns with the U.S. goal of expanding influence in the Western Hemisphere.
Sparking International and Domestic Attention
Trump's statements are clearly not just casual jokes. His threats and plans indicate that if allies and related countries do not meet U.S. demands, he will not hesitate to apply economic or even military pressure. This stance could overturn long-standing rules of international relations.
While the likelihood of actual military conflict is considered low, Trump's tough rhetoric poses new pressure on allied nations. Analysts believe this policy inclination will have a profound impact on the U.S.'s diplomatic image and global leadership, potentially causing tensions among allies.
Conclusion and Outlook
Trump's statements signal that he is poised to adopt more aggressive foreign and economic policies. Whether these proposals are feasible remains to be seen, but their potential to cause international political upheaval and economic ripple effects has become a global focal point. The international community needs to closely monitor the specific policy directions of the new U.S. administration and whether Trump can transform these radical plans into reality.
