THIS is the moment Donald Trump threatens to make Canada the 51st US state and refuses to rule out invasions of Greenland and the Panama Canal.
The Republican, who is two weeks away from clinching the keys to the White House, has begun outlining an aggressive foreign policy – upsetting US allies.
GettyPresident-elect Donald Trump arrives to speak to members of the media during a press conference on January 7[/caption]
APTrump has even taken to calling Trudeau the ‘governor of Canada’ while threatening a tariff on Canadian imports[/caption]
Upon being asked at a press conference whether he could assure the world he would not use military or economic coercion as he tries to gain control of the Panama Canal and Greenland, Trump said: “No, I can’t assure you on either of those two.
“But I can say this, we need them for economic security.”
Trump also criticized American spending on Canadian goods and military support for Canada, claiming the US has no benefits from contributing.
He also called the border between the two countries an “artificially drawn line.”
The President-elect further suggested he would impose tariffs on Denmark if the country resists his offer to buy Greenland which, in his eyes, is vital to US national security.
But Denmark’s Prime Minister has slammed Trump’s comments, making it clear that Greenland, a self-governing part of its kingdom, is not for sale.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned: “I don’t think it’s a good way forward to fight each other with financial means when we are close allies and partners.”
On Tuesday Trump Jr landed in Greenland, sparking fresh rumours that his president-elect dad is serious about snapping up the icy island.
According to Greenland’s foreign affairs department, this is an unofficial visit set to last just a few hours, with no formal meetings planned.
Meanwhile Canada‘s minister of foreign affairs, Melanie Joly, has also scorned Trump’s remarks on the country.
She said on X: “President-elect Trump’s comments show a complete lack of understanding of what makes Canada a strong country.
“Our economy is strong. Our people are strong.
The Mega AgencyDenmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has slammed Trump’s comments[/caption]
GettyNuuk Godthab City View, Greenland[/caption]
GettyMiraflores locks, Panama Canal, Panama[/caption]
“We will never back down in the face of threats.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau echoed his minister’s comments, saying there isn’t “a snowball’s chance in hell” that Canada will join the US.
Trump also said he would demand higher defense spending from NATO allies – and even promised to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.
His promise to do this bizarre renaming echoed his previous vow to revert the name of Denali, the highest mountain peak in North America, to Mount McKinley.
Former President Barack Obama changed the name of the Alaskan mountain in deference to Native Americans.
Normally, the US Board of Geographic Names sets geographic names, but presidents have also renamed geographic features via executive action.
While his Canada comments have raised eyebrows, Trump’s desire to buy Greenland is nothing new.
The island is packed with valuable resources like rare earth minerals and sits at a key spot between the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans.
Back in 2019, Trump called buying Greenland a “great real estate deal”, but Denmark and Greenlandic leaders swiftly shot the idea down.
As Trump gears up to take office on January 20, his territorial ambitions — whether it’s annexing Greenland, reclaiming the Panama Canal, or turning Canada into “America’s hat” — are making waves.
And while critics slam his plans as reckless and absurd, they’ve struck a chord with Trump’s base, who see his moves as proof he’s putting America first.
ReutersDonald Trump Jr has arrived in Greenland on Tuesday[/caption]
GettyTrump has also openly talked about potentially seizing the Panama Canal[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
