(WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.)
Donald Trump appears to be revisiting his interest in Greenland, rekindling the conversations he sparked during his first presidential term regarding the potential U.S. acquisition of the territory from Denmark. This renewed focus adds to the mounting tensions with allied nations, even before he officially returns to office on January 20.
In a recent speech unveiling his ambassador to Denmark, Trump asserted that “For the sake of National Security and global Freedom, the United States believes that ownership and control over Greenland is essential.”
This shift in attention towards Greenland follows Trump’s remarks over the weekend about possibly reclaiming control of the Panama Canal if escalating shipping costs continue to impact U.S. interests. He hinted that action might be needed to address financial strains associated with this crucial maritime passage linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
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In addition to Greenland, Trump has playfully suggested that Canada could become the 51st state, jokingly dubbing its Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, as the “governor” of the “Great State of Canada.” Such statements have raised eyebrows and sparked conversations about his unconventional approach to international relations.
Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia, remarked that Trump’s provocative attitude towards allied nations reflects a negotiation style he utilized during his business ventures. “By asking for something unreasonable, you increase your chances of securing a more reasonable outcome,” he explained. Farnsworth is also the author of “Presidential Communication and Character.”
Greenland, recognized as the world’s largest island, holds a strategic position between the Atlantic and Arctic oceans. The island is largely covered by an ice sheet and hosts a significant U.S. military presence. Since gaining home rule from Denmark in 1979, Greenland’s current leader, Múte Bourup Egede, has firmly stated that Trump’s efforts to assert U.S. control over the island are in vain, insisting, “Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale. Our long-standing fight for freedom must not be lost.”
In 2019, Trump canceled a scheduled visit to Denmark after Danish officials dismissed his proposal to buy Greenland. Now, he has reignited the dialogue around the territory while also highlighting the Panama Canal as another contentious issue, claiming the U.S. is being “ripped off” in its dealings regarding the waterway.
“If the moral and legal principles of this generous gesture of giving are not upheld, we will demand the Panama Canal’s return to the United States of America, swiftly and without hesitation,” he declared.
Panama’s President, José Raúl Mulino, responded in a video message asserting that “every inch of the canal belongs to Panama and will continue to belong to Panama,” which prompted Trump to retort on social media, “We’ll see about that!”
Furthermore, Trump shared a photo of a U.S. flag positioned in the canal zone, captioned “Welcome to the United States Canal!” Historical context reveals that the U.S. constructed the canal in the early 20th century but transferred control to Panama on December 31, 1999, following a treaty signed by President Jimmy Carter.
The canal’s operations have been impacted by drought conditions in 2023, which have limited ship transits and led to increased fees for those looking to secure passage.
Trump’s comments regarding Greenland and the Panama Canal coincide with his recent claim that “Canadians want Canada to become the 51st State,” along with a photo of himself alongside a Canadian flag atop a mountain.
Trudeau has suggested that Trump was jesting about annexing Canada, although they recently met at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort to discuss potential trade tariffs affecting Canadian imports.
Farnsworth observed, “Canada is not going to become part of the United States, but Trump’s remarks seem designed to leverage negotiations and disrupt Canada’s political environment, especially in light of its current political climate.” He added that this tactic might lead to concessions regarding trade, border security, or other matters.
Similarly, Farnsworth noted that Trump’s ambitions regarding Greenland follow this same rationale. “What Trump seeks is a victory. Even if the American flag doesn’t end up flying over Greenland, European leaders might be more inclined to agree to other demands due to the pressure he exerts,” he concluded.
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Gary Fields from the Associated Press in Washington contributed to this report.
