US foreign policy: Greenland and Panama Canal: Trump does not rule out the military

The future US President Donald Trump does not rule out using the military to gain control of the Panama Canal or Greenland. Asked by a journalist whether he could assure the world that he would not use military or economic coercion, Trump said: “No.” The Republican, who will move back into the White House on January 20th, emphasized that he would not commit to this. It could be that “you have to do something”. Trump spoke at a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

Trump had previously described transit fees at the Panama Canal as “highly unfair.” He called for control of the waterway to be returned to the United States if it was not treated fairly. The canal – one of the world’s most important trade routes – was built by the United States in the early 20th century and long controlled before management gradually passed to Panama. “The Panama Canal is vital to our country. It is operated by China,” Trump complained at Mar-a-Lago.

Donald Trump’s son is currently traveling to Greenland

Trump had also repeatedly expressed interest in the island of Greenland, which belongs to Denmark. In December he said: “In the interest of national security and freedom in the world, the United States believes that possession and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity.” Trump’s son Donald Trump Jr. is currently visiting the island – the trip is officially of a private nature. Trump claimed at the press conference that we didn’t even know whether Denmark had any legal claim to Greenland. “But if so, they should give it up because we need (Greenland) for national security.”