U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday stirred controversy by refusing to rule out the possibility of using military force to gain control of Greenland and the Panama Canal, citing their importance to U.S. economic security.
When asked at a press conference if he would eliminate the use of economic or military coercion to acquire the Arctic island or the canal in Central America, Trump responded, “I’m not gonna commit to that. No. It might be that you’ll have to do something.”
Pressed further on the matter, Trump 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.”
Renewed Push for Greenland
Trump has long championed the idea of purchasing Greenland, describing the Danish-controlled Arctic territory as a strategic necessity. On Tuesday, he reiterated his position, arguing that the island’s ownership is crucial for U.S. national security.
“We need Greenland for national security purposes,” Trump 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.”
Greenland, home to approximately 60,000 people, was a Danish colony until 1979 when it achieved self-rule. It remains a Danish territory, with Copenhagen retaining control over its foreign and defense policies.
The Arctic island has gained increased global attention for its mineral resources and strategic location, hosting a U.S. military base and offering a key position for Arctic trade and defense strategies.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who previously dismissed Trump’s 2019 proposal to buy Greenland as “absurd,” reaffirmed Denmark’s stance earlier Tuesday. “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders,” Frederiksen declared. “There is a lot of support among the people of Greenland that Greenland is not for sale and will not be in the future either.”
Adding intrigue to the situation, Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., visited Greenland on Tuesday accompanied by conservative activist Charlie Kirk and Sergio Gor, Trump Sr.’s personnel director. Describing the group as his “reps,” Trump Sr. downplayed the trip’s significance, but the timing has raised eyebrows.
Panama Canal Debate Resurfaces
Trump also reignited the debate over the Panama Canal, calling into question Panama’s control of the crucial trade route. The canal, transferred from U.S. control to Panama in 1977, remains a critical artery for global maritime trade.
“Look, the Panama Canal is vital to our country. It’s being operated by China. China!” Trump said, suggesting that the canal’s current operations pose a threat to U.S. interests. “And we gave the Panama Canal to Panama, we didn’t give it to China.”
Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino sharply rebuked Trump’s comments, affirming that the canal and its adjoining zones remain “non-negotiable.” Mulino stated firmly, “As president, I want to clearly state that every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjoining zone is Panama’s and will remain so.”
A Strategic Gamble?
Trump’s remarks come as global powers increasingly vie for strategic and economic dominance in key regions. Both Greenland and the Panama Canal hold significant trade, defense, and resource value, and Trump’s insistence on their importance underscores his administration’s focus on bolstering U.S. influence.
However, critics argue that such comments risk inflaming tensions with allies and raising concerns over U.S. foreign policy strategies. For now, Trump’s vague assurances leave both Greenlanders and Panamanians on edge, wondering how far the U.S. president-elect might go to secure what he deems “vital” for economic security.