Trump does not dismiss the possibility of using force to take control of the Panama Canal or Greenland

US President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday refused to rule out the use of military or economic measures to acquire the Panama Canal and Greenland, part of his broader expansionist vision outlined since his November 5 election victory.

Set to assume office on January 20, Trump also floated the idea of making Canada a US state, proposed demanding significantly higher defense spending from NATO allies, and vowed to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.

In a press conference at his Florida resort, Trump was asked whether he could assure the public he would refrain from using force or economic pressure in pursuing control of the Panama Canal and Greenland. He replied, "No, I can't assure you on either of those two. But I can say this: we need them for economic security."

Trump criticized US spending on Canadian imports and military support for Canada, dismissing the border as an "artificially drawn line." He also hinted at imposing tariffs on Denmark if it rejected his offer to purchase Greenland, emphasizing its importance to US national security. Denmark and Greenland firmly rejected the notion, with Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stating, "Greenland is not for sale."

Canada's foreign minister, Melanie Joly, responded to Trump's remarks, asserting the strength and sovereignty of her nation. Panama's foreign minister, Javier Martinez-Acha, likewise dismissed the idea of relinquishing control of the Panama Canal.

Trump proposed that NATO members increase defense spending to 5% of GDP, a significant jump from the current 2% target, further straining diplomatic ties. Additionally, he reiterated his ultimatum to Hamas, threatening severe consequences if hostages abducted in October 2023 were not released before his inauguration.

During the press conference, Trump also repeated grievances about his legal troubles and defended Elon Musk's involvement in global affairs, praising Musk as a "very smart guy." The event took place in the lavish setting of Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort.