In a provocative press conference held at Mar-a-Lago, President-elect Donald Trump made headlines by declaring he would not rule out using the U.S. military to gain control over critical territories, including the Panama Canal and Greenland. During the meeting, Trump emphasized the importance of these regions for economic security, insisting, "The Panama Canal is vital to our country; it’s being operated by China" (The Hill).

Trump was direct in his responses when pressed about whether he could ensure he wouldn't use military action to control these territories. He retorted, "No, I can’t assure you," revealing that he sees them as essential for U.S. interests. He further elaborated that the canal, previously operated by the U.S. for military purposes under a 1978 treaty which ceded control to Panama, has been perceived as a threat due to China’s growing influence in the region (Salon).

Additionally, Trump floated the idea of potentially annexing Canada, suggesting the nations could benefit from closer ties as he described the U.S.-Canada border as an "artificially drawn line." He stated that the removal of such borders would enhance national security, adding that “economic force” could be used in this context. His combative rhetoric on territorial acquisitions included critiques of former President Jimmy Carter regarding the initial handover of the Panama Canal to Panama (The Hill).

The discussion also shifted to cultural references, with Trump suggesting a new name for the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.” He has previously expressed support for taking unilateral military actions against Mexican drug cartels. With these statements, Trump continues to challenge perceptions of international boundaries and America's geopolitical stance.