United States President-elect Donald Trump has escalated his calls for the US to acquire Greenland and the Panama Canal, labelling both territories as "crucial" to American national security.
During a wide-ranging press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Trump expressed his willingness to use both military and economic force to secure these territories.
Trump’s push for Greenland comes amid strong opposition from Denmark and the local Greenlandic population, who have firmly rejected any suggestion of relinquishing the autonomous Danish territory. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasised, “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders,” adding that the local population alone has the right to determine their future.
“Greenland is not for sale,” she told Danish TV, although she stressed the importance of maintaining close co-operation with the US, a NATO ally.
Greenland’s strategic importance, particularly with its large American space facility and significant deposits of rare earth minerals, has attracted Trump’s attention.
He stated, “Greenland lies on the shortest route from North America to Europe, and it is crucial for protecting the free world.”
Trump also asserted that China’s influence over the Panama Canal is growing, despite denials from Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino.
“Giving the Panama Canal to Panama was a very big mistake,” Trump said, reflecting his dissatisfaction with the gradual cession of US control.
The president-elect’s remarks came as his son, Donald Trump Jr, visited Greenland on a personal trip, engaging with locals but avoiding discussions with government officials.
Trump’s territorial ambitions extend beyond Greenland and Panama, reflecting a broader stance against environmental regulations and opposition to wind power, which he claims is harming marine life.
Trudeau: 'No chance in hell'
Outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau dismissed Trump’s calls for Canada’s "annexation", stating there is “not a snowball’s chance in hell” of the two countries merging.
“There isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States. Workers and communities in both our countries benefit from being each other’s biggest trading and security partner,” he said.
Denmark and Greenland's association
Greenland is officially the world’s largest island that is not a continent. With a population of approximately 56,000, Greenland has its own local government but remains part of the Realm of Denmark.
Despite the significant distance—approximately 3,532 km—between Greenland and Denmark’s capitals, the island has been politically and culturally linked to Denmark for over a millennium.
Greenland was a Danish colony until 1953, when it was redefined as a district of Denmark. In addition to its local government, Greenland is represented by two members in the Danish Parliament, the Folketing.
Greenland’s path towards self-governance began with home rule in 1979, following Danish governance from the early 18th century. In 2009, a referendum resulted in the approval of the Self-Government Act, granting Greenland increased responsibilities, though foreign policy, defence, and security remain under Danish control.
Greenlandic is recognised as the official language.
Panama Canal ownership
The Panama Canal has been owned and operated by the Panama Canal Authority for the past 25 years.
The US managed the canal throughout the 20th century, taking control of the canal zone in 1904 after aiding Panama in gaining independence from Colombia.
The canal opened in 1914, transforming global shipping and allowing thousands of cargo freighters and American battleships to pass through annually.
US control over the canal and the exclusion of Panamanians sparked tensions, leading authorities to build a wall between Panama City and the canal zone in the 1950s.
On 9 January 1964, a major protest erupted, resulting in the death of 28 people during a violent crackdown by authorities, drawing international condemnation and prompting a shift in US strategy.
In 1977, US President Jimmy Carter and Panamanian leader Omar Torrijos signed two treaties to gradually end US control.
After a period of joint administration, marred by a 1989 US invasion to overthrow military leader Manuel Noriega, Panama assumed full control of the canal in 1999.
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