Trump revives controversial calls to acquire Greenland, Panama Canal, and Canada

President-elect Donald Trump has reignited contentious proposals from his first term, renewing calls for the U.S. to purchase Greenland from Denmark, reclaim the Panama Canal, and even annex Canada. These moves have sparked diplomatic friction with allied nations ahead of Trump’s inauguration on January 20.

On Sunday, while announcing his ambassador to Denmark, Trump declared that U.S. control of Greenland is essential for “national security and freedom throughout the world.” This echoes his 2019 effort to purchase the island, which was rejected by Denmark and dismissed as absurd by Greenland’s government.

Greenland’s head of government, Múte Bourup Egede, reiterated the island’s stance:
“Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale.”

The Danish government welcomed the new U.S. ambassador but dismissed the renewed proposal, stating, “Greenland is not for sale, but open for cooperation.”

Trump also suggested over the weekend that the U.S. might retake the Panama Canal if shipping costs aren’t addressed. Rising fees, driven by drought-related restrictions on shipping slots, have strained global trade.

“If the principles, both moral and legal, of this magnanimous gesture of giving are not followed, we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States,” Trump declared.

Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino responded firmly, saying, “Every square meter of the canal belongs to Panama and will continue to.” Trump retorted on social media, sharing an image of a U.S. flag in the canal zone with the caption, “Welcome to the United States Canal!”

Eyeing Canada as the 51st State

Trump has also stirred controversy with comments about Canada, suggesting it should become the 51st U.S. state. He referred to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the “governor” of the “Great State of Canada” and posted an image of himself surveying Canadian territory next to a Canadian flag.

Trudeau dismissed the idea as a joke but met with Trump recently in Florida to discuss trade tensions, including Trump’s threat to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian goods.

Experts see Trump’s approach as a continuation of his business-style negotiation tactics. Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor, explained:
“You ask something unreasonable, and it’s more likely you can get something less unreasonable.”

Farnsworth added that Trump’s comments likely aim to gain leverage, whether through trade concessions, stricter borders, or other policy wins.

While Trump’s proposals for Greenland, the Panama Canal, and Canada are unlikely to materialize, they underline his focus on bold, pressure-driven diplomacy as he prepares to take office.