Trump’s Assertions on Greenland and Panama Canal Ownership Spark International Responses

Donald Trump, the President-elect, campaigned on a platform emphasizing US isolation from international conflicts such as the Ukraine war, raising tariffs on global trade partners, and revitalizing domestic production. However, recently, he has indicated a more assertive stance in his foreign policy. Initially, he made a jest about Canada becoming an additional state of the United States. Subsequently, he has issued a threat to reclaim authority over the Panama Canal. Furthermore, he restated a wish from his initial presidential term to acquire Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, which is explicitly not available for purchase. It is improbable that the United States will gain control of any of these areas. Nevertheless, these declarations might suggest that Trump’s “America First” perspective involves projecting the superpower’s influence beyond its national boundaries to serve US trade and national security objectives. During a conservative conference held in Arizona on Sunday, Trump stated that Panama was imposing “ridiculous, highly unfair” charges on US vessels for transit through its renowned canal. The United States, having overseen the canal’s construction in the early 20th century, transferred complete authority to Panama in the 1970s through a formal agreement. However, this week, Trump declared that if the “rip off” continued, he would insist on the canal’s repatriation to the US, without detailing the method for such a return. Trump further stated his apprehension about the Panama Canal “falling into the wrong hands,” explicitly mentioning China, a nation with substantial stakes in the maritime passage. Will Freeman, a Latin American studies fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, commented on Trump’s statements, saying: “There’s a real US national security interest… in controlling its neutrality,” and added, “Trump’s statement is mostly about that.” Data indicates that China ranks as the second-largest user of the Panama Canal, following the US. China also holds significant economic investments within Panama. In 2017, Panama severed diplomatic relations with Taiwan, acknowledging it as a constituent part of China, which represented a considerable diplomatic triumph for Beijing. Mr. Freeman explained that the Panama Canal is crucial not just for US trade in the Pacific; should any military confrontation with China arise, it would be indispensable for transporting US vessels and other resources. He further observed Trump’s recurring remarks concerning the inequitable treatment of the US by trade partners, alongside the president-elect’s commitment to substantially raise tariffs on imported goods, especially those originating from China. Mr. Freeman suggested that Trump’s grievances regarding shipping charges appeared consistent with his broader perspectives on trade. Mr. Freeman stated that while these declarations could be “coercive,” it was yet uncertain “whether canal authorities lower fees on US cargo in response to the threat.” Panama’s President, José Raúl Mulino, issued a statement asserting that the canal and its adjacent territory were, and would continue to be, the property of his nation. During the weekend, Trump conveyed via a social media post that the US “feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity” for reasons pertaining to national security and global freedom. The United States operates Pituffik Space Base within Greenland. This territory possesses abundant natural resources, such as rare earth minerals and oil, and holds a pivotal trade position as international powers aim to extend their influence in the Arctic Circle. Russia, specifically, views this area as a strategic advantage. Trump initially proposed acquiring Greenland in 2019, during his first presidential term, but this initiative did not materialize. This week, Múte B Egede, Greenland’s prime minister, addressed Trump’s recent remarks, stating: “We are not for sale and we will not be for sale.” Nevertheless, Trump persisted in highlighting his public declarations across online platforms. On Truth Social, an image depicting an American flag being erected in the center of the Panama Canal was displayed on Trump’s account. Eric Trump, his second-eldest son, shared an image on X illustrating the US placing Greenland, the Panama Canal, and Canada into an Amazon online shopping cart. For Trump, pledges to leverage America’s power for its own benefit were instrumental in advancing his two successful presidential campaigns. This strategy was previously employed during his initial presidency, involving threats of tariffs and the deployment of “armed soldiers” to compel Mexico to enhance enforcement along its border with the US. As he approaches his second term, Trump might intend to apply a comparable strategy upon assuming office on 20 January. Although the future course of events is uncertain, Denmark has indicated its readiness to collaborate with his incoming administration. Additionally, Denmark declared a substantial increase in defense expenditure for Greenland, mere hours after Trump reiterated his ambition to acquire the Arctic region.