President-elect Donald Trump’s Territorial Ambitions: A Provocative and Confusing Press Conference
PALM BEACH: In a provocative and headline-grabbing speech on his territorial ambitions for the US, incoming US leader Donald Trump was heavy on intimidation but light on details, leaving many wondering how seriously the comments should be taken.
Threatening Panama, Greenland
Trump’s comments sparked concerns and confusion, as he threatened to use military or economic coercion to acquire Greenland and the Panama Canal, and vowed to bring Canada to heel. On the strategic Panama Canal, Trump said the waterway was "vital to our country." "Look, the Panama Canal is vital to our country. It’s being operated by China- China!- and we gave the Panama Canal to Panama, we didn’t give it to China," Trump said. "And they’ve abused it, they’ve abused that gift," he added. Panama has repeatedly denied Trump’s allegations that China has been given a role in running the canal or is given preferential rates to use it.
As for Greenland, an autonomous territory of longtime US ally Denmark, Trump said, "We need Greenland for national security purposes." Canada will also soon be brought into the fold, Trump promised. "You get rid of that artificially drawn line, and you take a look at what that looks like, and it would also be much better for national security," Trump said.
Familiar Themes
While Donald Trump’s fixation on the Panama Canal is relatively new, his interest in Greenland is not. He had already raised the idea of buying the island during his first term, drawing a sharp refusal from local authorities. His son, Donald Jr, arrived in Denmark on a private trip yesterday. Trump did, however, rule out using military force against Canada, which was thrown into political turmoil Monday when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his plans to resign. Trump threatened to use "economic force" against Ottawa, after suggesting that Canada should become the 51st US state. Trudeau’s reaction, "There isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that Canada would become part of the US."
At the UN
At the UN, the incoming US leader’s latest comments won little applause. "The charter is very clear in the need for every member state to respect the territorial integrity of other states," Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, told reporters.
Conclusion
Trump’s comments have sparked concerns and confusion, leaving many wondering how seriously the comments should be taken. It remains unclear whether Trump is seriously considering expanding US territory, including by military force, or whether such sensational statements are merely a bargaining tactic to obtain economic or political concessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What did President-elect Trump say about the Panama Canal?
A: Trump said the Panama Canal is vital to the US and that China is operating it.
Q: What did Trump say about Greenland?
A: Trump said the US needs Greenland for national security purposes.
Q: Did Trump rule out using military force against Canada?
A: Yes, Trump ruled out using military force against Canada.
Q: Did Trudeau react to Trump’s comments?
A: Yes, Trudeau said there is no chance of Canada becoming part of the US.
Q: Will Trump’s comments affect relations with Canada?
A: It remains unclear, but Canada is preparing for the possibility of Trump following through on his threatened 25% tariffs on Canadian imports.