Trump Reiterates U.S. Interest in Greenland

President-elect Donald Trump made headlines again with bold statements on social media regarding Greenland and the Panama Canal.

On Sunday evening, Trump declared that U.S. ownership of Greenland is “an absolute necessity,” as he announced Ken Howery as his nominee for ambassador to Denmark. Howery, a tech investor and co-founder of PayPal, previously served as ambassador to Sweden during Trump’s first term.

Trump's statement, posted on Truth Social, emphasized the strategic importance of Greenland for national security and global freedom. “For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity,” Trump said.

This isn’t the first time Trump has expressed interest in Greenland, which is owned by Denmark. In 2019, he sparked controversy by suggesting the U.S. purchase the territory. At the time, Trump described the idea as “strategically interesting” but not a top priority.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen dismissed the notion as “absurd,” asserting that “Greenland is not Danish. Greenland is Greenlandic.”

Adding to the controversy, a book by Peter Baker of The New York Times and Susan Glasser of The New Yorker revealed that Trump once suggested trading Puerto Rico for Greenland during his first term. This proposal drew criticism for treating territories as bargaining chips and reignited debates about his approach to foreign policy.

Over the weekend, Trump also turned his attention to the Panama Canal. On Saturday, he criticized the fees charged by Panama for using the canal, calling them “ridiculous” and a “rip-off” in another Truth Social post.

He asserted that the U.S., given its generosity to Panama, deserves fairer treatment. Trump suggested that if the fee structures aren’t revised, he would push for U.S. oversight of the canal should he return to the White House.

At a Turning Point USA event the following day, Trump reiterated his stance. He described the canal’s transfer to Panama as a magnanimous gesture but insisted on fair treatment.

“If the principles, both moral and legal, of this magnanimous gesture of giving are not followed, then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States of America in full, quickly and without question,” Trump stated.

The remarks prompted a strong response from Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, who rejected Trump’s claims. In a video statement, Mulino declared, “Every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent zone belongs to Panama, and will continue to do so. The sovereignty and independence of our country are not negotiable.”

Trump’s comments about Greenland and the Panama Canal have reignited debates about his unconventional approach to international relations, as his rhetoric continues to draw sharp reactions both domestically and abroad.