President-elect Donald Trump has refused to dismiss the prospect of military or economic action as he seeks to regain control of the Panama Canal and acquire the Danish territory of Greenland. In a recent press conference, Trump stated, “No, I can’t assure you on either of those two. But I can say this, we need them for economic security,” emphasizing his administration's expansionist ambitions ahead of his inauguration on January 20, 2025.

At the conference, held in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump expanded on his plans to bolster American interests in the region. He criticized U.S. spending on Canadian goods and hinted at plans to make Canada a state of the U.S., which aligns with his broader viewpoint on enhancing U.S. hegemony. Notably, the former businessman has expressed intentions to impose tariffs on Denmark should the country resist his claims over Greenland, which he considers vital for U.S. national security (Reuters).

Moreover, Trump suggested commemorative changes, such as renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America,” while echoing a previous promise to revert Denali's name back to Mount McKinley. This appeals to a vision of American exceptionalism, reflecting his intent to reshape U.S. territorial identity.

Historical context surrounds Trump's remarks on the Panama Canal; it was under U.S. control until 1999 when it was handed over to Panama. The Panamanian leadership has consistently rejected any notion of reclaiming the canal (SCMP).

Additionally, Trump has frequently called for NATO members to allocate 5% of their gross domestic product toward defense, criticizing what he perceives as inequitable contributions from member nations. His administration appears focused on increasing U.S. military expenditure and asserting dominance in international relations.

The press conference also marks Trump's second appearance since winning the November 5 election, occurring a day after Congress certified his victory under heavy security due to prior events during the Capitol riots in 2021. This sets a dramatic backdrop for his impending swearing-in and possible foreign policy directions.

For more information, visit the full articles from SCMP and Reuters.