Former President Donald Trump has sparked renewed debate by suggesting the U.S. should take control of Greenland and the Panama Canal, reiterating positions he first introduced during his previous term in office. These remarks have raised questions about international relations and U.S. foreign policy priorities.
Greenland: A Renewed Claim
On Monday, Trump posted on Truth Social that the U.S. must own and control Greenland, citing "National Security and Freedom throughout the World" as justification. He made the statement while announcing Ken Howery, a PayPal co-founder, as his pick for U.S. Ambassador to Denmark.
Greenland, the largest island in the world, is an autonomous territory under Denmark, a NATO ally. Trump previously floated the idea of buying Greenland in 2019, which Denmark and Greenland rejected outright, stating the island is "not for sale." Greenland’s strategic location and access to Arctic resources make it geopolitically significant, but Trump's comments have reignited tension between the U.S. and Denmark.
Panama Canal: Calls for Reclamation
Earlier that day, Trump criticized Panama for charging high fees to use the Panama Canal, a vital trade route linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. On Truth Social, he referred to the tolls as a "complete rip-off" and threatened to demand the canal's return if Panama failed to meet what he called "moral and legal principles" of generosity extended by the U.S.
The Panama Canal, built by the U.S. and controlled by the Panama Canal Authority since 1999, is a major source of revenue for Panama. The handover followed a 1977 treaty signed by President Jimmy Carter, ending nearly a century of U.S. control.
Strategic Implications
Both Greenland and the Panama Canal hold critical strategic value. Greenland’s proximity to the Arctic positions it as a key player in a region contested by global powers, including Russia, for its untapped natural resources. Meanwhile, the Panama Canal remains a cornerstone of global maritime trade, serving as a passage for thousands of vessels annually.
What’s Next?
Trump’s remarks come as he prepares for a potential return to the White House. While his comments may resonate with some domestic audiences, they could strain relationships with allies and draw scrutiny from the international community.
Both Denmark and Panama have yet to respond to the latest remarks, but the historical rejections of similar ideas suggest resistance to any U.S. attempt to assert control over these territories.
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