Trump trades isolationism for expansionism: Politico
4 Min Read
As Trump steps back into the spotlight, preparing to assume office once again, he unveils ambitious plans for the annexation of Greenland and the Panama Canal.
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President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a news conference at Mar-a-Lago, on January 7, 2025, in Palm Beach, Florida. (AP)
A report by Politico revealed on Wednesday that US President-elect Donald Trump has not dismissed the possibility of using military force in his efforts to annex Greenland and reclaim control of the Panama Canal.
According to Politico, the comments made during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago on Tuesday, mark a shift in Trump's "America First" strategy. This new phase moves away from the isolationist stance of his first term toward a more interventionist approach, aiming to annex additional territories and assert America's influence globally, the report explains.
These actions hint at the profound and transformative impact that Trump's second presidency could have on the global stage, prompting reactions from other world leaders.
Trump said “Since we won the election, a couple of months since we won the election, the whole perception of the whole world is different. People from other countries have called me, ‘Thank you. Thank you,’” adding, “We’re going to have to settle some big problems that are going on right now.”
Trump's annexation plans: here are the details
Later this month, the president-elect is expected to take office during a critical time when wars are raging in different parts of the world, as Russia and China are ramping up their strategic positions on the global stage. The report explains that Trump will take office with a lot of promises such as tariffs, which would likely put the US at odds with friendly states, including Mexico and Canada.
On Tuesday, Trump reiterated his desire to annex both Greenland and Canada, citing strategic and economic reasons. He pledged to use only economic pressure to make Canada the 51st US state, but did not make the same commitment regarding Greenland.
According to Politico, by drawing on his penchant for branding, Trump promised during his press conference to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America."
Trump attributed his apparent shift in perspective to the evolving geopolitical situation since his first presidency. He asserted that during his first term, he "defeated ISIS" and avoided wars. Now, he claimed, he is returning to power amid "a world that is burning."
Although many of the president-elect's foreign policy pledges seem at odds with his longstanding focus on domestic issues, Trump emphasized on Tuesday that these actions are intended to enhance national security and foster economic prosperity.
His comments come as members of his family and incoming administration travel worldwide to lay the groundwork for a more global MAGA agenda.
'Trump eyes Greenland'
The Politico report noted that Donald Trump Jr., the president-elect's son, made an unofficial trip to Greenland on Tuesday alongside long-time Trump allies Segior Gor and Charlie Kirk to record content for a podcast. However, he is not scheduled to meet with any Greenlandic government officials.
Trump has consistently expressed interest in purchasing the autonomous territory, which holds strategic significance for the US and is rich in natural resources, including rare earth minerals, according to Politico. His last attempt to acquire Greenland from Denmark was in 2019.
“The people [of Greenland] are going to probably vote for independence or to come into the United States,” Trump predicted.
In response to Trump Jr.’s visit, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen forcefully pushed back on the idea that the territory is for sale, saying Tuesday that “Greenland belongs to Greenlanders.”
Panama Canal
The report also highlighted Trump's desire to regain control of the Panama Canal and criticized former President Jimmy Carter’s decision to transfer its control to Panama for $1.
According to Politico, the remarks gained further weight this week as Carter lies in state in the Capitol Rotunda, with US and international dignitaries gathering for his funeral at the National Cathedral on Thursday.
While entertaining the idea of a US takeover of Canada, Trump also weighed in on who he believes should be the country's next prime minister following Justin Trudeau's departure. He revealed that he suggested to hockey legend Wayne Gretzky that he should consider running for the position, the report mentioned.
In Trump's version of their conversation, Gretzky responded by asking whether Trump was considering running for prime minister or governor.
“Let’s make it governor,” Trump told him. “I like it better.”
Read next: Trump's remarks on Panama Canal spark global controversy: WSJ
