Trump’s Military Ambitions and Territorial Claims
President-elect Donald Trump stirred conversation on Tuesday by suggesting that the U.S. military could potentially be employed to acquire territories such as Greenland and the Panama Canal—ideas he has previously mentioned since his election victory.
Press Conference Highlights
During a press briefing at Mar-a-Lago, when asked about his stance on using military force, Trump remarked, “It might be that you’ll have to do something.” He added, “I can’t assure you—you’re talking about Panama and Greenland—no, I can’t assure you on either of those two. But I can say this: We need them for economic security.”
Threats to Denmark
Trump escalated tensions by threatening Denmark with significant tariffs if they did not agree to cede Greenland to the U.S., raising questions about Denmark’s legal claim to the island. He stated, “People really don’t even know if Denmark has any legal right to it, but if they do, they should give it up because we need it for national security.” Officials from Denmark and Greenland have firmly stated that the island is not for sale, while Panama’s president reaffirmed that the Panama Canal is not negotiable. Trump has previously criticized the 1999 treaty that transferred control of the canal back to Panama, alleging that it has resulted in the U.S. being overcharged for its use, which he believes undermines American interests.
Vision for Geopolitical Changes
Although Trump has not elaborated extensively on his territorial ambitions, his remarks on Tuesday offered insight into his perspective on reshaping the U.S. geopolitical landscape. He even humorously suggested that Canada might consider becoming the 51st state, insisting that any pressure would be applied through economic means, not military action. “That would really be something,” he said. “You get rid of that artificially drawn line, and you take a look at what that looks like. And it would also be much better for national security.”
Plans for Tariffs and Naming Changes
In addition, Trump expressed a desire to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, calling it “a beautiful name,” and announced plans to impose significant tariffs on both Mexico and Canada.
Press Conference Context
This press conference followed Congress’s certification of his election victory and marked Trump’s second public appearance since his win on November 5. He began with a billion-dollar proposal to establish data centers across the U.S., backed by investors from Dubai, claiming it would significantly benefit American technology and artificial intelligence sectors. With less than two weeks until his second inauguration, Trump urgently called for Hamas to release hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel, issuing a stark warning that “all hell will break out” if the approximately 100 hostages are not freed by January 20. His special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, indicated that they believe a resolution regarding the hostages’ release is close at hand.
Political Critique and Challenges
However, the atmosphere changed as Trump began to direct his criticism towards his political opponents, particularly focusing on President Joe Biden and discussing the legal challenges stemming from various investigations.
Overcoming Obstacles
Trump’s remarks demonstrated a President-elect determined to navigate what he sees as obstacles to his agenda as he readies to step into the Oval Office. “We are inheriting a difficult situation from the outgoing administration, and they’re trying everything they can to make it more difficult,” he commented, condemning Biden’s recent actions, such as an executive order that paused oil and gas drilling on 625 million acres of U.S. coastal waters. “I’m going to put it back on day one,” he promised.
Legal Troubles and Pardons
These statements came just before Trump is set to receive a sentence in a New York hush-money trial on Friday, following his conviction on 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records in May. He is also seeking to block the release of special counsel Jack Smith’s final report concerning other criminal investigations. During the press conference, federal judge Aileen Cannon temporarily halted the release of Smith’s report regarding Trump’s classified documents case.
Judicial Criticisms
Trump criticized Judge Juan Merchan, who oversaw the New York case, calling him “crooked.” (Merchan has indicated that it is unlikely Trump will face jail time during the forthcoming sentencing.) Trump further criticized Smith, describing him as a “deranged individual,” after Smith dismissed his two federal cases once Trump won the election.
Pardons for January 6 Convictions
Moreover, Trump confirmed he is contemplating pardons for many individuals convicted in relation to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, including some charged with violent offenses. “People that were doing some bad things weren’t prosecuted, and people that didn’t even walk into the building are in jail right now. So, we’ll be looking at the whole thing. But I’ll be making major pardons, yes,” he asserted. This promise has sparked controversy, with critics arguing it may encourage extremist behavior and undermine the integrity of the legal system.
