International Affairs
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Trump Signals to Take Over
Panama Canal & Greenland
- President-elect Donald Trump, set to take office in January 2025, emphasized an “America-first” foreign policy, prioritizing U.S. national and economic security. He refused to rule out military or economic coercion to secure control of the Panama Canal and Greenland, calling them vital strategic assets.
- Trump criticized China’s growing influence over the Panama Canal, a key global shipping route, and expressed frustration with the 1977 treaty that transferred control to Panama. He suggested revisiting its ownership, arguing it is essential for U.S. trade and military operations.
- Trump described Greenland as crucial for U.S. national security and suggested its residents might prefer independence or joining the U.S. He warned Denmark of potential high tariffs if they resist U.S. proposals, while Greenland’s leadership firmly rejected the idea of being “for sale.”
- Trump’s aggressive stance drew criticism from some, likened to “19th-century imperialism,” but supporters praised his willingness to challenge the status quo and restore American strength globally.
- Trump reiterated demands for NATO allies to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP, reflecting his broader agenda of asserting U.S. dominance and protecting national interests on the global stage.
Trump, who is set to take office on January 20, 2025, doubled down on his vision of an assertive foreign policy that prioritizes American interests above all else. When pressed by reporters on whether he would consider using force or economic pressure to achieve his goals, Trump responded bluntly, “No, I can’t assure you on either of those two. But I can say this: we need them for economic security.”
Trump in an inflamatory online exchange with the president of Panama
Trump’s frustration stems from the 1977 treaty signed by President Jimmy Carter, which gradually transferred control of the canal to Panama. By 1999, Panama assumed full authority over the waterway, a move Trump called “a terrible thing to do.” He argued that the canal’s strategic importance to U.S. trade and military operations justifies revisiting its ownership.
The president-elect also took aim at Panama’s current leadership, dismissing Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino’s assertion that “every square meter” of the canal belongs to Panama. “We’ll see about that!” Trump fired back in a social media post last month, accompanied by an image of the U.S. flag flying over the canal with the caption, “Welcome to the United States Canal!”
National & economic security at stake
Trump’s ambitions extend beyond the Panama Canal. He has also set his sights on Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, which he described as essential for U.S. national security. “People have been talking about it for a long time,” Trump said. “They should give it up, because we need it for national security. That’s for the free world. I’m talking about protecting the free world.”
The president-elect suggested that Greenland’s residents might prefer independence or joining the United States, and he warned Denmark of potential economic consequences if they resist. “If Denmark rejected the U.S. proposal, I would tariff Denmark at a very high level,” Trump said.
Xi Jinping, above, increasing Chinese influence over the canal; below, Trump's effigy burned in Panama
Trump’s aggressive stance has drawn criticism from some quarters, with retired U.S. diplomat Daniel Fried likening his approach to “19th century imperialism.” However, Trump’s supporters argue that his willingness to challenge the status quo reflects a commitment to restoring American strength and sovereignty on the global stage.
The president-elect’s remarks also touched on broader foreign policy goals, including his demand that NATO members increase their defense spending to 5% of GDP, up from the current 2% target. “They can all afford it,” Trump said, reiterating his long-standing complaint that U.S. allies have not contributed their fair share to collective defense.
Trump’s press conference underscored his determination to pursue an unapologetically America-first agenda, even if it means ruffling feathers on the world stage. Whether his plans for the Panama Canal and Greenland come to fruition remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Trump is not backing down.
As the president-elect prepares to take office, his bold rhetoric and willingness to challenge international norms signal a dramatic shift in U.S. foreign policy. For Trump, the Panama Canal and Greenland are not just strategic assets—they are symbols of American power and resolve in an increasingly competitive world.
“We’re not stupid anymore,” Trump declared. “We’re going to protect what’s ours.”
Read other articles by Willow Tohi here
Posted January 10, 2025
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