Donald Trump answers questions about his plans for the upcoming term
Donald Trump spoke at a news conference at Mar-a-Lago, providing hints of what he would be tackling during his second term. Trump reiterated his comments about US control over the Panama Canal, the need for Greenland to be a part of the United States, and the possibility of merging Canada with the United States. Trump repeated his warning to Hamas if the hostages are not released by the time he is inaugurated.
From Al Jazeera:
The president-elect touched on several domestic subjects, pledging to roll back environmental restrictions and pardon supporters who stormed the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.
But his most consequential statements concerned foreign policy. Trump expounded on a sweeping expansionist vision, with consequences for countries across the world.
He repeated his desire for US control of the Panama Canal, Greenland and Canada, while emphasising that “all hell will break out” if captives held in Gaza are not released before he takes office.
In one exchange with reporters, Trump was asked if he would rule out the use of military force or economic coercion to take control of the Panama Canal or Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory. He refused.
“I’m not going to commit to that,” Trump said. He then pivoted to the canal, an arterial trade route that connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. “It might be that you’ll have to do something. The Panama Canal is vital to our country.”
He later added, “We need Greenland for national security purposes.”
Both Greenland’s and Denmark’s prime ministers have ruled out the prospect of the sprawling Arctic island being transferred to US control.
And the government of Panama has likewise maintained that the canal will remain Panamanian, as it has been since the US relinquished control in 1999, following a treaty negotiated under late US President Jimmy Carter.
Additional Reading:
Al Jazeera staff. (2025, January 7). ‘Hell will break out’: Trump hints at military moves in Mideast, Americas. Al Jazeera. Link.
Category: Donald Trump, International Affairs
