According to sources, President Trump is serious about including Greenland and the canal in his America-first strategy to counter China and Russia. A source close to Trump confirmed, “The president is 100% serious.” In his first administration, White House and Treasury Department officials closely studied how to negotiate and fund a Greenland takeover. A gameplan to win over the mostly Inuit residents of Greenland was developed during Trump’s final year in office. This plan aimed for the residents to have their decision ratified by Copenhagen ahead of a handover. The proposed transfer of power would likely involve a compact of free association similar to US relations with Pacific island nations. Former Treasury Department official Thomas Dans explained the importance of understanding Greenlanders’ position within Denmark and their path to independence. He highlighted how Greenlanders are asset-rich but cash-poor, reliant on economic subsidies from Denmark. The financing of an acquisition would not necessarily require congressional approval, as Treasury has various authorities to act on such matters. Despite skepticism, an official pointed out that the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867 was initially met with criticism before the state’s strategic importance and resources were recognized.
The message was clear. “Everything is available for purchase for the right price,” stated one source. Another source affirmed, “[Trump] is not engaging in mere provocation. He is emphasizing the importance and seriousness of fostering an ambitious America and exhibiting strong leadership.” This sentiment was echoed by yet another source who indicated, “In discussions with current and former national security officials, this is a direct communication aimed at China.”
The Panama Canal, originally constructed by the US government, was ceded to Panama in 1979. Trump expressed apprehension over the Panama Canal potentially falling into unfavorable hands, specifically China’s, during his recent remarks. He also cited national security concerns surrounding Greenland, an Arctic island of strategic importance for military radar and situated along crucial North Atlantic shipping routes.
The US previously intervened in Panama in 1989, overthrowing its authoritarian leader Manuel Noriega partly due to concerns over the US-controlled canal. The canal, linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, is now governed by Panama under a Neutrality Treaty ensuring neutrality and equal treatment for all nations without bias in toll charges. However, the US retains the right, as outlined in the treaty, to employ military force if the neutrality of the canal is jeopardized.
Yleem Poblete, a former assistant secretary of state, commended Trump’s recent remarks as a positive shift towards focusing on the Western Hemisphere. Poblete viewed Trump’s comments as indicative of his comprehension of the challenges and opportunities in the Americas, aiming to bolster American leadership for enhanced regional security and prosperity.
Concerns have arisen within the State Department regarding potential collaboration between China and Russia to secure increased access to the Arctic for resources and geopolitical influence. Trump’s interest in territorial acquisitions, though serious, may evolve into a bargaining strategy to negotiate canal fees or expand US military involvement in Greenland if Denmark or Panama decline to part with their territories.
While Trump’s intentions may be genuine, the leaders of Greenland and Panama have responded coolly to his proposals, asserting their sovereignty over their respective territories. Panama’s president affirmed in a video message, “Every inch of the canal remains the property of Panama and will continue to do so.”
Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede posted on social media, stating, “Greenland belongs to us. We are not available for purchase, nor will we ever be. We must not relinquish the hard-fought battle for our independence.”
