Trump Refuses To Commit He Won't Use Force To Control Panama Canal, Greenland: 'We Need Them For Economic Security'

President-elect Donald Trump declined to rule out the use of military force to secure U.S. control over Greenland and the Panama Canal, citing economic security as a driving concern.

Speaking at a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort on Tuesday, Trump emphasized the strategic importance of both territories but refrained from providing further details. "I can't assure you on either of those two, but I can say this: we need them for economic security," Trump said when asked about potential military or economic coercion. "I'm not going to commit to that."

This statement followed Trump's earlier remarks about expanding U.S. influence in the Western Hemisphere, including a proposal to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. Trump framed these initiatives as essential for addressing perceived economic and security imbalances, particularly with Mexico. He went on to criticize Mexico for trade deficits and issues related to drug cartels, asserting that "we do most of the work there, and it's ours."

Trump's comments have revived discussion around his ambitions to acquire Greenland and regain direct control of the Panama Canal, ideas he floated during the holiday recess and have swiftly been criticized by Greenland's Prime Minister Múte Egede and Panamanian President José Raul Mulino.

According to a report by The Hill this past weekend, some Republican lawmakers are expressing skepticism about the feasibility of such plans. "I don't think it's for sale," said Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) regarding Greenland, a territory of Denmark, while Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) suggested that Trump's statements could be aspirational, citing historical examples of U.S. territorial expansion but downplaying the likelihood of immediate action. The U.S. tried to purchase Greenland from Denmark twice over the past centuries but the European country rejected both times.

Democratic lawmakers, on the other hand, have criticized Trump's proposals, warning of potential harm to U.S. alliances and international stability. "Foreign policy is not a real estate game," said Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) to The Hill. "Threatening these countries to seize their territory undermines our standing in the world."

Nevertheless, on top of his speech at Mar-a-Lago, Trump also announced on Truth Social that his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., would visit Greenland this week as part of efforts to engage with the island:

"My son, Don Jr., and various representatives will be traveling there to visit some of the most magnificent areas and sights. Greenland is an incredible place, and the people will benefit tremendously if and when it becomes part of our nation. We will protect it, and cherish it, from a very vicious outside world."