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Donald Trump and the Ambition to Expand Territory: Greenland, Panama Canal, and Canada
In early 2025, the newly elected President Donald Trump once again attracted attention with bold statements about expanding U.S. territory. In a speech at his Mar-a-Lago resort, Trump expressed his desire to purchase Greenland from Denmark, take control of the Panama Canal, and even proposed making Canada the 51st state of the U.S. These remarks immediately sparked controversy and garnered significant interest from both experts and the global public.
Greenland – A Strategic Move for the U.S.?
Greenland, the largest island in the world with a population of about 56,000 people, has long held a significant role in U.S. national security strategy. In the past, U.S. Presidents such as Andrew Johnson and Harry Truman had proposed purchasing the island but failed. However, Trump remains determined to pursue this idea, seeing it as a necessary step to safeguard national security.
Experts point to three key reasons why Greenland is a target for Trump:
1. Strategic Geopolitical Location: Greenland is situated between North America and Europe, serving as a critical military outpost in the Arctic region. The U.S. already has an airbase there (Thule Air Base) to monitor Russian and Chinese military activities.
2. Abundant Natural Resources: The island is rich in oil, gas, and rare earth metals. Rare earths, in particular, are crucial for the production of high-tech devices, electric vehicles, and military weaponry. Given China’s dominance in the global rare earth market, the U.S. has strong incentives to control Greenland.
3. Climate Change Impact: The melting ice in the Arctic is opening up new shipping routes and creating opportunities for resource extraction. Despite Trump’s skepticism about climate change, he seems to recognize the economic potential arising from this phenomenon.
However, both the Danish government and the people of Greenland firmly oppose Trump’s proposal. The Prime Minister of Denmark has stated that Greenland “is not for sale,” while local leaders emphasize their desire for independence rather than becoming a part of the U.S.
Panama Canal and the Ambition to Reclaim Control
In addition to Greenland, Trump also proposed “reclaiming” the Panama Canal – a vital waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The canal was under U.S. control until it was handed over to Panama in 1999.
Trump’s primary reason for wanting to regain control of the canal is the growing presence of China in the region. According to Trump, the U.S. gave away the canal to Panama, but in reality, China is the one benefiting. China has invested heavily in infrastructure and operates several key ports near the canal, raising concerns about economic and strategic security.
Nevertheless, this proposal is considered highly unlikely, as Panama is a sovereign nation and unlikely to relinquish its most important economic asset.
Turning Canada into the 51st State?
Perhaps the most shocking statement from Trump is his proposal to make Canada a part of the United States. He argued that Canada receives up to $200 billion in subsidies from the U.S. every year but has a small military and is highly dependent on American protection.
However, Canada’s response was immediate and clear in rejecting the idea. The Canadian government reaffirmed its sovereignty, declaring that it would never consider becoming part of the U.S. Canadian citizens, who hold differing views from the U.S. on many economic and social policies, also seemed uninterested in the proposal.
Public and Political Reactions
Trump’s statements sparked heated debates worldwide. Some supporters argue that the U.S. has the right to pursue its own strategic interests, while critics contend that these proposals are populist and unrealistic.
In Greenland, the population is divided on the prospect of becoming part of the U.S. Some people hope that cooperation with the U.S. could bring economic opportunities, while the majority still wish to preserve their identity and autonomy.
Experts believe that, although Trump’s remarks are controversial, they reflect a larger trend in U.S. foreign policy: a reaffirmation of American influence in the Western Hemisphere and a confrontation with China in economic and military spheres.
Conclusion
Under Trump 2.0, the world may witness many bold and unexpected moves from the White House. However, it remains unclear whether Trump will genuinely pursue these plans once in office, or if they are merely symbolic statements aimed at drawing attention.
One thing is certain: Trump’s actions will continue to have a significant impact on global politics, especially in terms of U.S. relations with Europe and countries in the Western Hemisphere.
