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Images of Donald Trump | Donald Trump Revives Greenland Bid, Eyes Control of Panama Canal | Image Credit: Flickr.com

President-elect Donald Trump has once again expressed his controversial desire to purchase Greenland, concurrently insisting on the return of the Panama Canal to U.S. jurisdiction. These statements were made during the announcement of Ken Howery, co-founder of PayPal, as the forthcoming U.S. ambassador to Denmark, indicating a revitalized commitment to enhancing U.S. influence.

Greenland Acquisition Resurfaces

Trump articulated the strategic significance of Greenland in a statement shared on Truth Social, highlighting its role in enhancing national security and promoting global freedom. He asserted that “for the sake of national security and freedom worldwide, the United States considers ownership of Greenland to be an essential requirement.”.

Greenland is an autonomous territory under the jurisdiction of Denmark, which has attracted the interest of the United States since 1867. This island is abundant in natural resources, including gold, uranium, and potentially significant offshore oil reserves. Additionally, it serves as a strategic entry point to the Arctic, an area currently marked by geopolitical competition. In this context, Russia’s efforts to expand its territorial claims in the Arctic have heightened the urgency of American interests in the region.
Denmark firmly rejected Trump’s first overtures in 2019, with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen calling the idea “absurd.” She reiterated her stance recently, asserting, “Greenland belongs to Greenland.”

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Panama Canal Controversy

In another, he insisted on the Panama Canal going back to US control as the waterway was a “vital national asset.” While addressing an Arizona rally, he bashed the fees Panama was charging for the passage through the canal and said that the treaty signed in 1977 by former President Jimmy Carter is responsible for handing over control of the waterway to Panama in 1999.

We are being ripped off at the Panama Canal,” Trump said. He also threatened the Panamanian authorities, to “be guided accordingly,” because he promised to take back the canal if “moral and legal principles” were not respected.

Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino rapidly rejected the demand, declaring it an offense to national sovereignty. Through his account on X (formerly Twitter), Mulino reiterated that “each and every square meter of the canal is Panama’s and will continue being Panama’s”.

Mulino added that canal tolls are established on the costs of running the canal as well as international demand; revenues finance constant infrastructure updates. “Panamanians will have differing opinions on many subjects, but on our canal, we will not,” Mulino said decisively.

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Strategic Consequences

Trump’s remarks reveal an interest of his government in the acquisition of strategic assets. Greenland is a gateway to Arctic resources and routes, while the Panama Canal is a critical maritime link between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. However, both projects have severe diplomatic challenges. Denmark has rejected any negotiations over Greenland, while Panama considers its canal a symbol of sovereignty. As Trump prepares to assume office, his ambitious geopolitical proposals are likely to stir global debate and further test U.S. relations with key allies.

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By Salaar Shah

Salaar Shah is the Professional and Dedicated Content and Article Writer. he has been carrying out content writing for 10 years and devoting his experience in covering all kinds of news, national and international and entertainment.

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