As of January 8, 2025, Donald Trump’s territorial ambitions have come to the forefront, particularly concerning Greenland, the Panama Canal, and Canada. He has expressed a strong desire to acquire Greenland, emphasizing its strategic importance for U.S. national security and economic interests, and has suggested he might consider military action to achieve this goal—an assertion that has raised concerns in Denmark. Regarding the Panama Canal, Trump has claimed that China controls it and has suggested that Panama is overcharging U.S. vessels; however, the Panamanian government has firmly rejected any negotiations over its sovereignty. Additionally, Trump has floated the idea of making Canada the 51st state of the U.S., proposing economic force rather than military action as a means to this end, which has been met with skepticism from Canadian officials. During a press conference on January 7, 2025, he threatened military action regarding both Greenland and the Panama Canal while discussing plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico to “Gulf of America,” reflecting his broader agenda for U.S. territorial claims and reigniting debates about historical treaties and international relations.
Recent Headlines on Trump’s Territorial Ambitions
- Why Trump’s pursuit of Greenland could be cheered on by Russia – CNBC, January 8, 2025
- Trump’s Threat to Take Over Greenland Bewilders the Island’s Population. – The New York Times, January 8, 2025
- EU urges sovereignty respect following Trump’s Greenland remarks – RBC Ukraine, January 8, 2025
- Freewheeling Trump sets out territorial ambitions – Bangkok Post, January 8, 2025
- Trump’s Greenland and Panama Plans Reveal His Imperialistic Ambitions – Forbes, January 8, 2025
- Germany, France criticize Donald Trump’s Greenland threats – DW, January 8, 2025
- Trump threatens land grabs of Panama Canal, Greenland, even by force. Can he?: ANALYSIS – ABC News, January 8, 2025
- Panama Canal will stay in our hands, minister tells Trump – BBC News, January 8, 2025
- Trump’s threats to Greenland, Canada and Panama explain everything about America First – CNN, January 8, 2025
- Why would Trump want Greenland and the Panama Canal? Here’s what’s behind U.S. interest. – CBS News, January 8, 2025
- Greenland may become independent, but not a U.S. state, Denmark says – Reuters, January 8, 2025
- Trump Sr. Called for US Ownership of Greenland. Now Trump Jr. is Visiting. – CNN, January 6, 2025
- Trump’s Military Threats Over Greenland and Panama Canal Spark Outrage. – The Guardian, January 7, 2025
- Trump ramps up threats to gain control of Greenland and Panama Canal – BBC News, January 7, 2025
- Trump suggests he could use military force to acquire Panama Canal and Greenland and ‘economic force’ to annex Canada – NBC News, January 7, 2025
- Trump won’t rule out military action to take control of Greenland as son visits – CBS News, January 7, 2025
- Trump’s Ambitions: A New Era of Territorial Claims? – Politico, January 6, 2025
- Trump is teasing US expansion into Panama, Greenland and Canada – CNBC, December 23, 2024
- Panama commemorates canal handover despite Trump’s call for US control – Al Jazeera, December 31, 2024
- With Trump’s Panama Canal talk, it feels like 1976 all over again – NPR, December 28, 2024
- Trump’s Wish to Control Greenland and Panama Canal: Not a Joke – The New York Times, December 23, 2024
Renewal of Manifest Destiny?
Discussions surrounding territorial ambitions have led to speculation about which countries the USA might target for takeover, drawing from historical precedents of expansionism. The top contenders include Greenland, due to its strategic location and resources; Panama, particularly concerning control over the Panama Canal; Canada, which Trump has suggested could become a state; Cuba, historically coveted since the Spanish-American War; Mexico, following territorial gains in the 19th century; Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory seeking statehood; the Bahamas, seen as economically beneficial; parts of Venezuela, for geopolitical influence; Haiti, due to its proximity and historical ties; and Iceland, valued for its strategic location in the North Atlantic. These considerations reflect a blend of military strategy, economic interests, and historical ambitions rooted in concepts like Manifest Destiny.