President Trump reiterated his plans to secure U.S. control of Greenland and the Panama Canal during a recent speech to Congress. Trump emphasized the strategic importance of Greenland for national and international security, prompting a response from Greenland’s prime minister asserting that the country is not for sale. Vice President JD Vance and his wife are set to visit Greenland this week, following Donald Trump Jr.’s visit in January. Trump also mentioned reclaiming the Panama Canal for national security reasons, sparking objection from Panama’s president who stated that the Canal is Panamanian.
Greenland’s location between the U.S., Russia, and Europe makes it crucial for economic and defense purposes, particularly as new shipping routes open in the Arctic. The island also boasts mineral resources like rare earth minerals, vital for technologies like electric vehicle batteries. Trump’s interest in Greenland is seen as taking advantage of tensions between Greenland’s semi-autonomous government and Denmark. Meanwhile, the Panama Canal serves as a key trade route with 40% of U.S. container shipping passing through it. Trump falsely claimed China controls the Canal, but Panama’s president denied these claims.
Both Greenland and the Panama Canal have historical significance, with the U.S. establishing a military base in Greenland during WWII and building the Panama Canal between 1904 and 1914. The U.S. relinquished control of the Canal in 1999 as part of a treaty with Panama. The Vances’ upcoming visit to Greenland is seen in light of Trump’s ambitions to secure these territories for U.S. interests.
