Donald Trump’s bold expansion plans: Greenland and the Panama Canal back in play?

President-elect Donald Trump is not just aiming to make America “great” again—he appears intent on making it bigger.

The former president has floated ambitious proposals to expand the U.S. geographically and strategically.

Greenland: A Cold Deal in the Making?

Trump first sparked headlines by reviving his interest in purchasing Greenland, the massive Arctic territory belonging to Denmark. Days later, he turned his sights southward, demanding the return of the Panama Canal, a key global shipping route.

“America First” is taking on an expansionist tone.

Announcing PayPal co-founder Ken Howery, 49, as his nominee for U.S. ambassador to Denmark, Trump dropped the bombshell: he wants to buy Greenland, a landmass of 2.16 million square kilometers. While no price was mentioned, Trump hinted at offering a sum that Denmark might find tempting.

On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump doubled down: “In the interest of national security and global freedom, the United States believes that owning and controlling Greenland is an absolute necessity.”

This isn’t Trump’s first attempt at acquiring Greenland—he made a similar proposal during his first term. But why Greenland?

Why Greenland Matters

1. Strategic Location: Greenland’s position between the U.S. and Russia makes it a prime location for military presence.
2. New Shipping Routes: Melting Arctic ice due to climate change is opening up new trade pathways.
3. Resource Wealth: Beneath its glaciers, Greenland is believed to hold vast reserves of rare earth minerals and other resources.

The Danish government is taking Trump’s push seriously. Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte B. Egede, 37, firmly declared: “Greenland belongs to us. We are not for sale!” Denmark has since announced billions in investments to bolster its military presence in the Arctic, including new patrol boats, drones, sled dog teams, and personnel for the Arctic Command.

Turning South: The Panama Canal

Trump’s expansionist vision doesn’t stop in the Arctic. South of the U.S., he’s expressed frustration over the Panama Canal, which was built by the U.S. in 1914 but returned to Panama in 1999. Trump is particularly irked by the canal’s high tolls, which can reach $300,000 per passage.

With three-quarters of mega-freighters using the canal bound for the U.S., Trump argues these costs unfairly inflate consumer prices in America. Calling the fees “a total rip-off,” he suggested the canal should once again come under U.S. control.

Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino, 65, responded swiftly: “The sovereignty and independence of our country are not negotiable!”

Theatrics or Serious Intent?

Many dismiss Trump’s grandiose plans as bluster, a hallmark of his political style. However, the New York Times suggests otherwise, writing: “This time, Trump means business.”

Whether Trump’s ambitions are a negotiating tactic, a publicity stunt, or a genuine strategic plan, one thing is clear: his vision for America extends far beyond its current borders. The question remains—how far will he go to make it a reality?