Trump Leaves Military Force Open for Greenland, Panama Canal/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President-elect Donald Trump refused to rule out using military force to take control of Greenland and the Panama Canal, citing their importance to U.S. national security. Trump also criticized outgoing President Joe Biden for banning offshore drilling, vowing to reverse the policy on day one of his term. The remarks reflect Trump’s bold stance on territorial and energy policies as he prepares for office.
Trump’s Remarks on Greenland and Panama: Quick Looks
- Military Force Consideration: Trump left open the possibility of using force to control Greenland and the Panama Canal.
- National Security: He cited the strategic importance of both territories to the United States.
- Canada and the Gulf: Trump floated economic methods for integrating Canada and proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.”
- Biden Criticism: Trump criticized Biden’s ban on offshore drilling, calling it disruptive to his transition.
- Legal and Policy Reversals: Trump pledged to reverse Biden’s drilling ban and challenge it in court if necessary.
Trump Leaves Military Force Open for Greenland, Panama Canal
Deep Look
President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday declared Greenland and the Panama Canal critical to U.S. national security, refusing to rule out the use of military force to bring the territories under American control. Speaking from Palm Beach, Florida, Trump asserted that U.S. sovereignty over both areas is necessary to safeguard American interests.
A Shift in U.S. Policy
Asked if he would rule out military action, Trump replied, “I’m not going to commit to that. It might be that you’ll have to do something.” He further emphasized the strategic value of the Panama Canal, stating, “The Panama Canal is vital to our country.”
Regarding Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, Trump reaffirmed his interest in acquiring it for “national security purposes.” The president-elect has previously floated the idea of purchasing Greenland, reviving the proposal during his current transition.
Broader Territorial Ambitions
Trump also suggested incorporating Canada into the United States but clarified that he would pursue economic pressure rather than military force.
Additionally, he proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America,” calling it a move that “has a beautiful ring to it.”
Criticism of Biden’s Offshore Drilling Ban
Trump’s remarks come as he continues to criticize outgoing President Joe Biden’s recent ban on offshore energy drilling. Biden’s use of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act protected 625 million acres of federal waters from oil and gas exploration, a move Trump vowed to reverse immediately upon taking office.
“I’m going to put it back on day one,” Trump said, pledging to challenge the policy in court if necessary. He accused Biden of undermining his incoming administration and called the transition process “not smooth,” despite acknowledgments from his own team that Biden’s staff had been cooperative.
Special Counsel Report Criticism
Trump also used the opportunity to rail against special counsel Jack Smith, whose investigations into Trump’s handling of classified documents and involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot ended after Trump’s November victory. Smith is expected to release a report summarizing his findings, which Trump dismissed as a partisan effort to harm his administration’s reputation.
Looking Ahead
Trump’s bold statements on territorial acquisition and his critique of Biden’s energy policies set the tone for his incoming administration. As he prepares to take office, his aggressive stance on national security and economic expansion reflects a willingness to challenge norms and push the boundaries of U.S. policy.
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