Trump Explicitly Pushes Territorial Expansion: "We Will Reclaim the Panama Canal"

Panama Canal Built by Americans
Trump: "We Will Take Control of Greenland in Some Way"

U.S. President Donald Trump has once again expressed his plan to incorporate the Panama Canal and Greenland into U.S. territory, openly revealing territorial expansionism. President Trump, who has advocated "America First" since his inauguration, is fueling geopolitical conflicts by boldly displaying 'territorial expansionism' following the tariff wars.

Reuters Yonhap News

On the 4th (local time), during a joint session of Congress in Washington DC, President Trump said, "To further strengthen America's security, we will take back the Panama Canal," adding, "We have already started working on it."

He stated, "The Panama Canal was built by Americans for Americans," and recounted that 38,000 American workers died from malaria and various other diseases and accidents during the construction of the Panama Canal over 110 years ago.

He continued, "Adjusted for current value, the Panama Canal was the most expensive project in American history, but the Carter administration gave it up for one dollar," he claimed.

He emphasized, "Although the canal was handed over to Panama, not China, the agreement has been seriously violated," and declared, "The United States will take back the canal."

He also openly revealed his ambition for ownership of Greenland. Beginning with "Tonight, I have a message for the people of Greenland," he asserted that the U.S. would take control of Greenland "in some way."

About halfway through his 90-minute speech, he said, "We support your right to decide your own future," and "If you want, you are welcome to come to America." Such remarks, implying U.S. incorporation regardless of the wishes of Greenland residents, align with his earlier statement to Canada to "become the 51st state of America."

President Trump also promised the people of Greenland that "America will keep you safe, make you wealthy, and elevate Greenland to a level you have never imagined."

He stressed that U.S. control over the Arctic continent is very important for national security. President Trump said, "We need Greenland for national and international security and are working with everyone involved to obtain it," adding, "We really need it for international and global security, and we think we will get it. In some way, we will get it."

President Trump has been obsessed for years with the strategic importance of the glacier-covered island and has repeatedly proposed that the U.S. should purchase Greenland. Denmark has rejected the acquisition proposal that has continued since 2019.

Trump's interest in Greenland is not merely a personal matter. CNBC explained that President Trump's desire for ownership of Greenland is part of a national security strategy to counter the influence of Russia and China in the Arctic region.