U.S. President-elect Donald Trump indicated on Tuesday that he would not dismiss the possibility of employing military or economic measures to secure the Panama Canal and Greenland, aligning with his broader expansionist vision following his victory in the November 5 election.

As he prepares to assume office on January 20, Trump has also proposed the idea of transforming Canada into a U.S. state, called for significantly increased defense contributions from NATO allies, and expressed intentions to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.

With just two weeks remaining before his inauguration, Trump is outlining a bold foreign policy approach that appears to overlook diplomatic norms and the apprehensions of U.S. allies. When questioned during a press conference at his Florida resort about whether he could guarantee that he would refrain from military or economic pressure in his pursuit of the Panama Canal and Greenland, Trump responded, “No, I can’t assure you on either of those two. But I can say this, we need them for economic security.”

He criticized U.S. expenditures on Canadian imports and military assistance to Canada, arguing that the U.S. gains little from such arrangements, and referred to the border between the two nations as an “artificially drawn line.” Trump also suggested that he might impose tariffs on Denmark if it opposes his proposal to acquire Greenland, which he deems crucial for U.S. national security. This statement came shortly before his son, Don Jr., arrived in Greenland for a private visit.

Denmark has asserted that Greenland, which operates with a degree of self-governance within its kingdom, is not available for purchase. In response to comments made by Trump, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated late Tuesday, “I believe it is unwise to engage in financial disputes when we are close allies and partners.”

CANADA RESPONDS: ‘WE WILL NEVER BACK DOWN’

Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Melanie Joly, expressed on X, “President-elect Trump’s remarks reflect a profound misunderstanding of the strengths that define Canada. Our economy is robust, our citizens are resilient, and we will not yield to intimidation.”

Panama’s Foreign Minister, Javier Martinez-Acha, also countered the incoming U.S. leader’s assertion regarding the potential reclamation of the vital waterway, which the U.S. constructed and controlled before transferring authority to Panama in 1999. “The canal is firmly under Panamanian control, and that will remain unchanged,” he stated to reporters on Tuesday.

Ambassador Daniel Fried, a former U.S. diplomat now affiliated with the Atlantic Council, remarked that Trump’s statements suggest a view of national strength rooted in territorial expansion, likening him to a “19th-century imperialist.”

Fried remarked that acquiring Greenland would undermine NATO, stating it would equate the U.S. to Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia. Trump’s intention to rename the Gulf of Mexico parallels his earlier commitment to change the name of Denali, North America’s tallest mountain, back to Mount McKinley. This name change was made by former President Barack Obama to honor Native American heritage.

Mexican Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard, who is anticipated to be instrumental in upcoming U.S.-Mexico trade discussions, seemed to dismiss Trump’s suggestion to rename the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday. He stated, “If we were to meet in 30 years, the Gulf of Mexico will still be known as the Gulf of Mexico,” emphasizing that the Mexican government would not engage in the controversy.

Typically, the U.S. Board of Geographic Names is responsible for designating geographic names, although presidents have the authority to rename features through executive orders.

NATO SPENDING

Regarding NATO funding, Trump proposed that member countries should allocate 5% of their gross domestic product to defense, a notable increase from the current 2% benchmark. He asserted, “I believe NATO should aim for 5%. They can all manage it, but they should be contributing 5%, not just 2%.” Trump has often criticized NATO allies for not contributing their fair share and suggested raising defense spending during his campaign.

NATO projects that by 2024, 23 out of its 32 members will achieve the 2% GDP spending target. Currently, no NATO member, including the U.S., allocates 5% of GDP to defense, according to NATO statistics. Poland leads in defense spending at 4.12% of GDP, followed by Estonia at 3.43% and the United States at 3.38%.

Trump reiterated his warning that “all hell will break out in the Middle East” if Palestinian Hamas militants do not release the hostages they took from Israel on October 7, 2023, by the time he assumes office. He emphasized that the situation would not bode well for Hamas or anyone else involved. His Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed optimism about having positive updates regarding negotiations between Israel and Hamas by the time Trump is inaugurated.

During a freewheeling, hour-long press conference—his second since winning the election—Trump revisited a number of familiar grievances related to his criminal indictments. He specifically criticized Justice Juan Merchan, the New York judge set to sentence him on Friday for falsifying business records linked to hush money payments made to a porn star. Shortly after the press conference concluded, a New York appeals court rejected his latest attempt to delay the sentencing.

A U.S. judge has temporarily prevented Special Counsel Jack Smith from publishing a report regarding his investigations into Donald Trump’s alleged mishandling of classified documents and efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Judge Aileen Cannon had previously dismissed the case against Trump concerning the illegal retention of classified materials after his presidency.

The event occurred in the lavish living room of Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s resort in Palm Beach, where several of his senior advisers observed the proceedings, while guests dined on the terrace outside. Trump was also questioned about the appropriateness of Elon Musk’s public comments on international matters. Recently, Musk, a billionaire and ally of Trump, has utilized his X platform to discuss European politics, including his support for Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany party.

In response, Trump remarked, “I can say Elon is doing a good job, very smart guy. I don’t know the people you’re talking about.”