Trump doesn’t rule out force to take Panama Canal, Greenland

US President-elect Donald Trump refused on Tuesday to rule out using military or economic action to pursue acquisition of the Panama Canal and Greenland, part of a broader expansionist agenda he has promoted since winning the election.

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Trump, who takes office on January 20, said he would demand far higher defence spending from NATO allies and promised to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.

Still two weeks away from taking office, Trump has begun outlining an aggressive foreign policy with little regard to diplomatic considerations or the concerns of US allies.

“I can say this, we need them for economic security,” Trump said at a conference in Florida.

He suggested he would impose tariffs on Denmark if it resists his offer to purchase Greenland, which he said is vital to US national security. Shortly before Trump’s comments, his son Don Jr arrived in Greenland for a private visit.

Meanwhile, Canada’s minister of foreign affairs, Melanie Joly, said on X, “President-elect Trump’s comments show a complete lack of understanding of what makes Canada a strong country. Our economy is strong. Our people are strong. We will never back down in the face of threats.”

Trump’s promise to rename the Gulf of Mexico echoed his previous vow to revert the name of Denali, the highest mountain peak in North America, to Mount McKinley. Trump said NATO members should spend 5% of their gross domestic product on defence, a significant increase from the current 2% target.

hell will break loose: Prez-elect warns Hamas

Trump has warned that “all hell will break out in West Asia” if the hostages being held by Hamas are not released by Inauguration Day. Trump did not elaborate on what actions he might take if the captives are not released by the time he takes office. Officials say about 100 hostages, including some Americans, who were seized on October 7, 2023, remain captive in Gaza.