Trump Proposes Renaming Gulf of Mexico, Criticizes Carter/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President-elect Donald Trump, speaking at Mar-a-Lago, criticized outgoing President Joe Biden’s offshore drilling ban while announcing a $20 billion investment in U.S. data centers. Trump proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America” and reiterated his interest in acquiring Greenland and the Panama Canal for economic security. He also criticized former President Jimmy Carter’s decision to cede the Panama Canal to Panama, calling it a major mistake.
Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Press Conference: Quick Looks
- Investment Announcement: Trump revealed a $20 billion commitment from DAMAC Properties for U.S. data centers.
- Gulf Renaming Proposal: He suggested renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.”
- Territorial Ambitions: Trump reaffirmed his interest in Greenland and the Panama Canal.
- Carter Criticism: He called Jimmy Carter’s Panama Canal decision a “big mistake.”
- Biden Critique: Trump pledged to reverse Biden’s offshore drilling ban immediately.
- Transition Update: His remarks followed the certification of his 2024 election victory by Congress.
Trump Proposes Renaming Gulf of Mexico, Criticizes Carter
Deep Look
President-elect Donald Trump held a news conference at Mar-a-Lago on Tuesday, unveiling bold proposals and doubling down on criticism of outgoing President Joe Biden’s policies. In a wide-ranging address, Trump announced a significant foreign investment in the U.S., pledged to overturn Biden’s environmental policies, and outlined controversial ideas for territorial and geopolitical strategies.
$20 Billion Investment in Data Centers
Trump opened the event by announcing a $20 billion investment in U.S. data centers by DAMAC Properties, a Middle East-based company led by Emirati billionaire Hussain Sajwani. The initiative will focus on building facilities across the Midwest and Sun Belt, emphasizing Trump’s commitment to boosting American infrastructure and the digital economy.
“This is a game-changer for the U.S. economy,” Trump said, highlighting the partnership as a sign of investor confidence in his leadership.
Gulf of America Proposal
In a surprising move, Trump proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America,” calling it a “beautiful” and “appropriate” name.
The announcement reflects Trump’s branding-centric approach to governance and his vision for asserting American identity on the global stage.
Territorial Ambitions: Greenland and the Panama Canal
Trump reiterated his desire for U.S. control of Greenland and the Panama Canal, citing their strategic importance for economic security. When asked if he would rule out military or economic coercion to acquire these territories, Trump declined.
“We need them for economic security,” he said, leaving open the possibility of aggressive measures.
Trump also criticized former President Jimmy Carter, whose state funeral is scheduled this week, for transferring control of the Panama Canal to Panama.
“It was a very big mistake, maybe bigger than the hostages,” Trump said, referencing Carter’s 1980 election loss.
Criticism of Biden’s Offshore Drilling Ban
Trump blasted Biden’s recent decision to ban future offshore oil and gas drilling along the East and West coasts. He pledged to reverse the ban immediately upon taking office, saying,
“We will drill, baby, drill.” Trump accused Biden of undermining his transition, calling the outgoing administration’s actions “not smooth.”
Biden’s ban, which protected 625 million acres of federal waters, is one of several last-minute policy moves aimed at safeguarding environmental interests. Trump, however, has vowed to fight the measure in court if necessary.
Transition and Policy Challenges
Trump’s remarks came one day after Congress certified his 2024 election victory, marking a peaceful transition exactly four years after the January 6 Capitol riot disrupted the 2020 certification process. Trump expressed confidence in his agenda, while Republican lawmakers in Washington debate how to fund his ambitious policy initiatives.
This press conference, Trump’s second since becoming president-elect, signals a bold start to his return to the White House. From renaming geographic landmarks to reshaping foreign relations, Trump’s proposals reflect his intention to reshape American policy and global influence in dramatic ways.
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