By Anthony Marcus, correspondent. Eurasia Business News, January 7, 2025. Article no.1366.

Trump Considers Military Action: President-elect Donald Trump has once again said that he may consider using military force to gain control over both Greenland and the Panama Canal, asserting their importance for U.S. national security. He stated, “It might be necessary to take some action” regarding these territories during a recent press conference today at his residence of Mar-a-Lago.

Strategic Importance of Greenland: Trump emphasized the strategic significance of Greenland, which is an autonomous territory of Denmark. He previously attempted to purchase the island in 2019 and has reiterated that U.S. control is essential for national security, particularly as global powers vie for influence in the Arctic region. 

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen responded by affirming Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland and expressing hope for respectful U.S. engagement in the Arctic.

Panama Canal Control: Regarding the Panama Canal, Trump criticized Panama for imposing what he described as “outrageous fees” on U.S. vessels, threatening to reclaim control of the canal if these charges are not reduced. He highlighted concerns about potential foreign influence, particularly from China, over this vital shipping route for the U.S. economy.

Panama’s President has firmly rejected Trump’s claims, asserting that the canal is rightfully under Panamanian control.

Political Context: Trump’s comments reflect a broader “America First” philosophy that intertwines national security with territorial ambitions. His statements have drawn both support and criticism, with some viewing them as serious policy proposals while others interpret them as provocative rhetoric aimed at energizing his base.

Consequences of any U.S. use of force

Tariffs and Economic Sanctions: Trump’s threats to impose high tariffs on Denmark if they do not cooperate regarding Greenland could lead to retaliatory tariffs from Denmark or the European Union, further complicating trade relations and potentially harming U.S. businesses.

Trade Disruptions: Military action could disrupt trade routes and shipping through the Panama Canal, a critical chokepoint for global trade. This disruption could lead to increased shipping costs and delays, adversely affecting the U.S. economy and its trade relationships with other countries.

Strained Diplomatic Ties: A U.S. military action against either Denmark (in the case of Greenland) or Panama could lead to severe diplomatic fallout. Denmark’s Prime Minister has firmly stated that Greenland is not for sale, and any military attempt to assert control could be viewed as an act of aggression, damaging U.S.-Denmark relations and potentially leading to retaliatory measures from other nations.

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Trump has also repeatedly referred to Canada as the “51st State”, in an effort to troll Justin Trudeau, the unpopular and departing Canada’s prime minister.

The U.S. President elect said Tuesday that he would move to try to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America,” a name he said has a “beautiful ring to it.”

Trump had a surprise meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on January 5. This visit marks Meloni as the latest world leader to meet with Trump as he prepares for his upcoming inauguration.

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© Copyright 2024 – Eurasia Business News. Article no. 1366.