Trump’s provocative, often confusing, U.S. foreign policy is back

Incoming U.S. leader Donald Trump stirs controversy with territorial ambitions for Greenland, Panama Canal, and Canada.

In a provocative and headline-grabbing Tuesday (January 7, 2025) speech on his territorial ambitions for the United States, incoming U.S. leader Donald Trump was heavy on intimidation but light on details — leaving many wondering how seriously the comments should be taken.

In a rambling press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Mr. Trump said he would not rule out using military or economic coercion to acquire Greenland and the Panama Canal, and vowed to bring Canada to heel.

Also read: Why has Trump called the Panama treaty ‘foolish’? | Explained 

He called the border with the United States’ northern neighbour an “artificially drawn line,” and promised to rename the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America.”

The free-wheeling press conference brought to mind the Republican’s many bombastic and provocative statements from his first term, when he said he would encourage Russia to “do whatever the hell they want” to NATO allies and called North Korea’s leader a “rocketman on a suicide mission.”

At the United Nations, the incoming U.S. leader’s latest comments won little applause.

“The charter is very clear in the need for every member state to respect the territorial integrity of other states,” Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, told reporters.