Since winning the presidential election in November, Donald Trump has been making wild statements indicating that the United States might expand its territory, either through purchasing lands from other nations or taking them over. One of his main targets is Greenland, the large arctic territory that Trump suddenly claims is crucial to America’s security, setting the stage for the United States’ attempt to buy the island, or take it from Denmark.
Trump threatens to take Greenland; motives may be more economic than political
Trump has repeatedly claimed in recent weeks a desire to take control of Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark and the world’s largest island, for what he claims are national security purposes. Donald Trump Jr. made a visit to Greenland this week, while his father posted on his Truth Social platform, without evidence, that he’s “hearing that the people of Greenland are ‘MAGA,’” and that its “people will benefit tremendously if, and when, it becomes part of our nation.” Trump repeated the idea of taking Greenland during a long press conference Tuesday. The idea of taking over Greenland is part of a hyperaggressive foreign policy toward U.S. allies that Trump has been espousing in recent months, with other potential targets being the Panama Canal and Canada. Specifically discussing Greenland and the Panama Canal on Monday, Trump refused to rule out using U.S. military force to take control of Greenland and the canal if Denmark or Panama declined to sell or hand over their territories.
Jesus Christ. Donald Trump says he can’t assure the world he won’t use military force to take over Greenland or the Panama Canal.
Greenland is a territory owned by Denmark.
This is one of the dumbest and most dangerous things Trump has ever said.
— CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) January 7, 2025
Trump’s interest in Greenland may be more economic than strategic. Denmark and Greenland have long histories of cooperating with the United States on military matters. Denmark and the United States are both founding members of the NATO military alliance, and the U.S. has long operated a military base and missile warning system in Greenland, a key strategic location between the United States and Russia. It is therefore unclear how annexing Greenland would improve the security of the United States. On the other hand, seizing control of Greenland could allow the United States to profit from the island’s oil and natural gas deposits, and it could give the U.S. greater access to rare minerals found in Greenland that are important for the manufacture of electronics and military equipment.
Greenland threat adds to Trump comments alienating U.S. allies
Leaders in Greenland and Europe have all rejected any idea that the island is for sale. The government of Denmark has shot down the idea of the United States or anyone else buying Greenland while stressing the need for continued security cooperation between Denmark and the U.S. The island’s prime minister, Múte Egede, who is in favor of full independence for Greenland, has also rejected the idea that anyone could buy the territory. And French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot recently dismissed Trump’s threats as an attempt to bully its ally, but also reiterated that European nations would defend their territory if attacked. “There is obviously no question that the European Union would let other nations of the world attack its sovereign borders, whoever they are,” Barrot said on French radio.
He says he wants to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the ‘Gulf of America’
Trump has also in recent months pressured Canada and Mexico, threatening heavy tariffs against them if they refuse to cooperate with Trump’s plans on border security. Trump’s bullying of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau played a role in the Canadian leader’s decision this week to step down. In another odd provocation, Trump stated during his Tuesday press conference that “we’re going to be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.”
We are living in the stupidest of times…
Trump: "We're going to be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America."
I feel like we are being led by Patrick from SpongeBob. pic.twitter.com/cxX6txN1HR
— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) January 7, 2025
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who has stood up to Trump’s bullying attempts in the past, responded by proposing that portions of the United States be renamed “América Mexicana.”
Wowww ‼️ Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responds to Trump on his proposal to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico — and points to a 17th century map of greater México.
“We are going to call it América Mexicana. It sounds pretty, no?”
— David Adler (@davidrkadler) January 8, 2025
The threats and arguments over names may appear to be bluster and absurdity on the diplomatic stage, but the war in Ukraine demonstrates the real danger of major powers claiming other countries’ territories as their own. With the resignation of Trudeau in Canada and the tensions within NATO, Trump’s aggressive foreign policy ideas, as ridiculous as they may sound, are creating real consequences around the world.
