 "Greenland, Canada and now Panama: What is Donald Trump's talk of American expansion all about?")
United States President-elect Donald Trump wants to expand American territory.
From suggesting the annexation of Greenland to threatening the reclamation of the Panama Canal and jokingly teasing the absorption of Canada, Trump has reignited a debate over American expansionism, reminiscent of the 19th-century doctrine of Manifest Destiny.
While some of these comments may seem like rhetorical provocations, others are laden with strategic considerations.
Why Trump wants to ‘buy’ Greenland
Trump’s interest in Greenland isn’t new. During his first term in 2019, he floated the idea of purchasing the autonomous Danish territory, citing its strategic location and untapped natural resources.
At the time, his suggestion was dismissed as “absurd” by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, but Trump has since revisited the idea with renewed vigour.
In a statement posted on Truth Social this week, Trump declared, “For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity.” This announcement coincided with his nomination of Ken Howery, a PayPal co-founder, as US Ambassador to Denmark.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte Egede responded swiftly, stating, “Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale. We must not lose our long struggle for freedom.” Danish officials echoed this sentiment, with Frederiksen reiterating the importance of Greenland’s sovereignty while expressing readiness for transatlantic cooperation.
The icy Arctic island, home to over 50,000 residents, has grown in geopolitical significance due to its location and the increasing accessibility of the Arctic Circle as a result of climate change.
Trump’s revived interest has once again spotlighted Greenland’s role in global security and trade, despite the Danish and Greenlandic leadership’s firm refusals.
The Panama Canal: A flashpoint in US-Panama relations
The Panama Canal, a vital shipping route linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, has become another target of Trump’s territorial rhetoric. Built by the United States in the early 20th century, the canal was handed over to Panama in 1999 under a treaty signed by US President Jimmy Carter.
Speaking at a Turning Point USA event in Phoenix, Trump lashed out at what he described as “highly unfair” fees imposed by Panama on US ships and demanded the canal’s return.
“The Panama Canal must be returned to us, in full, quickly and without question,” he declared, adding that Panama must meet its “moral and legal” obligations or face repercussions.
Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino responded with a firm rejection. “Every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent area belong to Panama, and will continue to be,” he stated, defending Panama’s sovereignty and the canal’s successful operation under Panamanian administration.
Mulino also addressed Trump’s allegations of Chinese influence over the canal, calling them baseless. “The Canal has no control, direct or indirect, neither from China, nor from the European Community, nor from the United States or any other power,” he said.
Trump, however, doubled down on social media, posting an image of a US flag over the canal with the caption: “Welcome to the United States Canal!”
The canal, used extensively by US naval and commercial vessels, remains a crucial artery for global trade. Trump’s rhetoric has reignited discussions about its strategic importance, even as Panamanian officials firmly resist any threats to their sovereignty.
Canada: A neighborly tease or something more?
Trump’s comments about Canada, though less formalised, have also drawn attention. After dining with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Mar-a-Lago, Trump joked about the prospect of annexing Canada and making it the 51st US state.
“I think it’s a great idea,” he posted on social media, aligning the comment with his ongoing threats to impose tariffs on Canadian goods.
While this suggestion seems to be more of a provocation than a genuine policy proposal, it highlights Trump’s willingness to use humour and social media to needle foreign leaders.
Canadian officials have largely ignored these remarks, focusing instead on maintaining strong bilateral relations. However, Trump’s broader pressure tactics on trade and border issues continue to shape US-Canada relations.
Is this a modern Manifest Destiny?
Trump’s remarks have drawn comparisons to the expansionist policies of the 19th century, particularly the doctrine of Manifest Destiny, reported CNN.
“Manifest Destiny” refers to the 19th-century ideology in the United States that held the conviction that American settlers were fated to expand westward across the North American continent, a belief deemed both self-evident (“manifest”) and inevitable (“destiny”).
While Trump campaigned on promises of reducing foreign intervention, his recent comments suggest a different vision, one rooted in extending American influence abroad.
Observers remain divided on whether these remarks are serious policy ambitions or political theater designed to energise his base. Trump’s transition team has refused to clarify his intentions, referring instead to his public statements.
Florida GOP Representative Carlos Gimenez said on Fox Business: “I always take him seriously, even though they may sound a little bit out there. It’s a legitimate threat to Panama.”
International leaders have responded to Trump’s statements with strong opposition. Greenland, Denmark, and Panama have all reaffirmed their sovereignty, rejecting any notion of US acquisition or control. Mulino, in particular, dismissed Trump’s remarks as “gross ignorance of history.”
Domestically, Trump’s comments have resonated with his supporters, who have amplified his rhetoric on social media. Memes and slogans like “Welcome to the United States Canal” and “Greenland Is America’s Future” have gained traction among his base, highlighting the polarising nature of his statements.
With inputs from agencies
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