Official U.S. government or Danish government announcements

Trump Proposes U.S. Control Over Greenland for National Security, Panama Canal, and Suggests Canada as 51st State with 60% Tax Cut

Dec 25, 2024, 10:09 PM

President-elect Donald Trump has reignited discussions about U.S. territorial expansion by expressing intentions to take control of Greenland and the Panama Canal, and suggesting that Canada could become the 51st state. Trump nominated Ken Howery as ambassador to Denmark, emphasizing that owning Greenland is an 'absolute necessity' for U.S. national security and freedom. His comments on Greenland, which he deems necessary for U.S. national security, have been met with firm rejection from Greenland's leadership, asserting that the territory is not for sale. Regarding the Panama Canal, Trump criticized Panama for what he perceives as exorbitant fees and threatened to reclaim U.S. control if the situation does not change, claiming to be '100% serious' about the issue. He also mentioned the involvement of 38,000 Chinese soldiers in the canal's operations. Panama's President José Raúl Mulino responded by asserting the canal's sovereignty and its integral role in Panamanian identity. Trump's remarks on Canada included promises of a 60% tax cut and military protection if it were to join the U.S., though these were largely seen as provocative.