Trump Quietly Considers Annexing Regions in America

On January 7, 2025, Donald Trump reiterated his intention to annex Greenland and the Panama Canal, and also considered merging with Canada, raising questions about the potential impacts of these bold initiatives.

Trump’s Expansionist Agenda

On Tuesday, January 7, President-elect Donald Trump publicized his intentions to annex the Greenland and the Panama Canal, sparking stern responses from the affected nations.

A Provocative Speech

Initially meant to discuss an Emirati investment in the U.S., Trump’s press conference at his Florida residence quickly turned to more contentious issues. When asked whether he would consider using force to annex these areas, Trump ambiguously stated, “I cannot guarantee anything on either.”

Trump’s Ambitions

Trump voiced dissatisfaction with the toll fees for U.S. vessels in the Panama Canal and criticized the 1977 treaty by Jimmy Carter that transferred canal control to Panama in 1999. “They’re not treating us fairly. They charge our ships more than those from other countries. They mock us because they think we’re stupid. But we’re not stupid anymore.”

He also stressed that controlling Greenland is crucial for national security and global freedom, urging Denmark to cede the autonomous territory.

Firm Responses

In response to Trump’s declarations, Panama’s Foreign Minister asserted the canal’s sovereignty as non-negotiable. Denmark’s Prime Minister emphasized that Greenland belongs to the Greenlandic people.

Moreover, Trump’s threats to apply economic pressure on Canada, hinting at a potential merger with the U.S., provoked irritation from the northern neighbor, which firmly stated it would not succumb to threats nor ever become part of the U.S.

In summary, Trump’s expansionist desires have stirred significant controversy and have been decisively rejected by the countries involved.