Greenland and the Panama Canal Aren’t Up for Grabs. Why Is Trump Reviving His Claims?

President-elect Donald Trump, widely known for his “America First” doctrine, has reignited controversial discussions about foreign territories, including Greenland and the Panama Canal. Although these aspirations are unlikely to materialize, his rhetoric underscores a potential shift toward a more confrontational global posture.

Trump, who previously campaigned on disentangling the U.S. from external conflicts and revitalizing domestic industry, has recently employed rhetoric suggesting a more assertive strategy abroad. At a conservative conference in Arizona, he lambasted Panama for imposing “exorbitant and inequitable” tolls on American ships navigating the canal, threatening to reclaim control of the strategic waterway if these practices persist.

Historical Ties and Strategic Concerns

The United States constructed the Panama Canal in the early 20th century, later transferring full governance to Panama in the 1970s under a landmark treaty. Trump’s threats to reassert U.S. control resonate with his broader narrative of combating perceived exploitation by foreign entities. His remarks included warnings about China’s expanding influence, citing potential risks to the canal’s neutrality and its critical importance for U.S. trade and military logistics.

Will Freeman, a Latin America specialist at the Council on Foreign Relations, contextualized Trump’s comments as reflective of longstanding U.S. security interests. “The canal’s neutrality is paramount for America, particularly in scenarios of conflict with major powers like China,” Freeman explained.

China, the second-largest canal user after the U.S., has substantial economic stakes in Panama, further complicated by Panama’s 2017 decision to recognize Beijing over Taiwan. Trump’s critique of the canal’s tolls aligns with his habitual grievances about inequitable trade practices, particularly targeting China.

Greenland: A Renewed Desire

Trump also rekindled his interest in acquiring Greenland, a Danish-administered territory pivotal for Arctic geopolitics. Over the weekend, he labeled Greenland’s ownership “an essential requirement” for U.S. national security. The Arctic region’s strategic significance is amplified by its abundance of rare earth minerals, vital for technological and military applications, and its role in global trade routes amidst warming polar climates.

The U.S. already operates the Pituffik Space Base in Greenland, reinforcing its strategic foothold. However, Denmark and Greenland have unequivocally dismissed Trump’s overtures. Greenland’s Prime Minister, Múte B. Egede, reiterated the territory’s stance, declaring, “We are not for sale, nor shall we ever be.”

Despite this, Trump persisted in promoting his views through social media, sharing imagery of an American flag planted within the Panama Canal and humorous graphics involving Greenland and Canada.

A Familiar Playbook

Trump’s approach echoes tactics employed during his first term, where threats of tariffs and military force secured concessions from foreign nations, including Mexico. Heading into his second term, his rhetoric suggests a continuation of these strategies to project American power and secure economic advantages.

As of now, Trump’s pronouncements remain speculative, yet they highlight his inclination to employ provocative tactics in pursuit of U.S. supremacy. Denmark’s subsequent announcement of increased defense investments in Greenland signifies that Trump’s statements, though divisive, are already shaping geopolitical dialogues.

While tangible outcomes remain uncertain, Trump’s rhetoric reflects an enduring strategy to leverage America’s influence, often courting controversy, to advance his vision of global leadership.