Skip to main content
DeepRoots Network
PoliticsUnited StatesPanamaGreenlandMiddle East

Trump's Bold Claims: Military Options for Panama Canal and Greenland

Donald Trump threatens military measures during a news conference while revisiting controversial land issues.

By Michael D. ShearSource: nytimes.com1 min read

In brief

In a recent press event, Trump expressed his willingness to use armed force to reclaim territories, raising concerns about international relations.

In an hourlong press conference at Mar-a-Lago, President-elect Donald Trump made headlines with a series of bold claims regarding the Panama Canal and Greenland. He suggested that he would not dismiss the possibility of employing military or economic force to secure control over these territories. Trump’s remarks came amidst a backdrop of complaints and grievances, reflecting on various issues from his prior presidency.While discussing the critical situation concerning hostages held by Hamas, Trump ominously stated, "all hell will break out in the Middle East" if the hostages are not released by his inauguration. He repeated this sentiment throughout the conference, emphasizing its potential implications. The focus of Trump’s comments shifted between historical grievances, including the transfer of the Panama Canal back to Panama in the late 1990s, which he appeared to challenge. He insisted that regaining such territories was essential for U.S. national security, defining a shift in contemporary discourse surrounding foreign relations and territorial sovereignty.Trump's inclination to expand U.S. influence resonates with his long-standing business mentality of obtaining and enlarging assets. In recent discussions, he has hinted at the desire to buy Greenland and take control of the strategic Panama Canal, framing these ambitions as part of a larger objective to amplify U.S. strength on the world stage. As global communities dissect these statements, many are left to ponder the ramifications such declarations could have on international diplomacy and existing treaties.

Topics

More on this story