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US President-elect Donald Trump speaks to members of the media during a press conference at the Mar-a-Lago Club on January 7, 2025 in Palm Beach, Florida Image: GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP
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Freewheeling Trump sets out U.S. territorial ambitions

108 Comments
By Chandan Khanna and Frankie Taggart

Donald Trump threatened military action to secure the Panama Canal and economic force against neighboring Canada, in a meandering press conference Tuesday a day after Congress certified his election victory.

The Republican president-elect had gathered reporters at his home in southern Florida to announce a $20 billion Emirati investment in U.S. technology, but his remarks quickly became a rally-style rant as he returned at length to familiar campaign themes.

"Since we won the election, the whole perception of the whole world is different. People from other countries have called me. They said, 'Thank you, thank you,'" Trump said as he set out his agenda for the coming four years.

The billionaire announced he was going to rename the Gulf of Mexico the "Gulf of America" and threatened the U.S. southern neighbor again with massive tariffs if it does not halt illegal border crossings.

He refused to rule out using military force to seize Greenland and the Panama Canal -- both of which he has long coveted -- criticizing recently deceased Jimmy Carter for permitting a handover to local control of the Central American waterway when he was president.

Asked if he would use military force to bring Canada to heel, the incoming president said "no -- economic force," but added that eliminating the "artificially drawn" U.S.-Canada border would be a boon to national security.

As with many of Trump's pronouncements, it was difficult to separate humor or bombast from genuine policy, but the remarks will be seen as an escalation of his rhetoric on territorial expansion and drew a dismissive response from across the border.

There is a "snowball's chance in hell" that Canada will merge with the United States, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded, while Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said it would "never back down" over Trump's threats.

Built by the United States, the Panama Canal was handed to the Central American country a quarter-century ago and President Jose Raul Mulino has refused to entertain negotiations over its control.

"Look, the Panama Canal is vital to our country. It's being operated by China -- China! -- and we gave the Panama Canal to Panama, we didn't give it to China," Trump said. "And they've abused it, they've abused that gift."

Trump has also ruffled European feathers with a separate territorial proposal -- to buy Greenland, an island abutting the emerging Arctic geopolitical battleground that the former real estate developer sees as important to US security.

Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr, arrived on the island shortly before his father's remarks for what was described as a personal visit, with no official meetings scheduled.

Denmark -- which owns Greenland and says it is not for sale -- is a U.S. ally and a fellow member of NATO, another target of Trump's ire as he demanded that nations in the Western alliance boost their defense spending.

"Europe is in for a tiny fraction of the money that we're in," Trump said. "We have a thing called the ocean in between us, right? Why are we in for billions and billions of dollars more money than Europe?"

In a foreign-policy focused speech, the Republican hammered President Joe Biden over the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the conflicts in Ukraine and Syria, repeating a favorite false claim that America "had no wars" during the first Trump term.

The president-elect -- who spent much of the news conference focused on Biden -- also hammered the White House over the 2025 transition, claiming that officials were "trying everything they can to make it more difficult."

Trump, who returns to the White House on January 20, has not acknowledged his 2020 defeat and refused to participate in the transfer of power to Biden.

He baselessly accused his rival of being behind the multiple legal challenges he faces and vowed to overturn the Democrat's executive order banning offshore oil and gas development off swathes of U.S. coastline.

© 2025 AFP

©2025 GPlusMedia Inc.

108 Comments

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I suspect he knows he will deliver failure to the US on Ukraine and so he is looking for other mad/irrelevant schemes to claim he is winning bigly.

20 ( +28 / -8 )

Certain powers seize strategic property on their periphery or in their back/front yard in the interests of national security - and to keep other powers/alliances from setting up shop there.

Happens in many regions of the world. Nothing out of the ordinary.

-36 ( +3 / -39 )

Well, you have to love this - being served such a delicious tidbit on a Wednesday morning. Absolute gold.

The US President directly threatening several neighbours in the interest of hegemony, expansion and control.

Isn't this exactly what the Pro-US/Anti-China crowd here at JT constantly accuse China of???

I suggest those peeps who loudly protest against Chinese 'aggression' and advocate for the US's pro-democratic-rule-of-law-policeman-of-the-world type perspective of US international geo-political manoeuvrings, sit down and take a seat.

Donal Trump has broken the golden rule of US politics, which is, whatever you do, don't SAY what we are actually trying to do, just stick to the spin.

Behold, the real US, in all its aggressive glory.

22 ( +32 / -10 )

The world's most blatant and aggressive land grabbing country is not China or Russia but the United States.

The next president of U.S. has openly claiming to get Greenland from Denmark and the Panama canal even he is not yet sworn in. Trump is a thief not just in the business sector but also internationally.He does not respect international law and rule based order !

8 ( +22 / -14 )

JJEToday 06:45 am JST

Certain powers seize strategic property on their periphery or in their back/front yard in the interests of national security - and to keep other powers/alliances from setting up shop there.

Happens in many regions of the world. Nothing out of the ordinary.

Yes I have no doubt that MAGAs want to lower the standard of international decency to the level of the Putinist, and it is up to the opposition to make sure that doesn't happen.

17 ( +27 / -10 )

elephant200Today 07:08 am JST

The world's most blatant and aggressive land grabbing country is not China or Russia but the United States.

The next president of U.S. has openly claiming to get Greenland from Denmark and the Panama canal even he is not yet sworn in. Trump is a thief not just in the business sector but also internationally.He does not respect international law and rule based order !

Bluster is not the same as actually stealing stuff like russia/China.

2 ( +14 / -12 )

TamaramaToday 06:57 am JST

I suggest those peeps who loudly protest against Chinese 'aggression' and advocate for the US's pro-democratic-rule-of-law-policeman-of-the-world type perspective of US international geo-political manoeuvrings, sit down and take a seat.

No we can continue reminding people of actual savagery going on.

-1 ( +10 / -11 )

Trump is so high on his own supply that he actually believes this nonsense will deliver positive results. It won’t, and he’ll end up even more despised than the first time around.

18 ( +24 / -6 )

Trump and Musk are now the main threat to Western democracies and their economies.

20 ( +29 / -9 )

This would be comical if the US weren't currently funding neo-Nazis in Ukraine, genocidal Zionist child murderers in Israel and rebranded Al Qaeda medieval barbarians in Syria.

At least Trump is honest about what the US has been doing for the last 100 years or so.

-16 ( +11 / -27 )

I suspect he knows he will deliver failure to the US on Ukraine

Failure??? I disagree.

and so he is looking for other mad/irrelevant schemes to claim he is winning bigly.

Well, he kind of is

-27 ( +5 / -32 )

genocidal Zionist child murderers in Israel

It's amazing to see some people (especially women) who would rather live under Hamas rule than the Israeli government.

-14 ( +5 / -19 )

—I suspect he knows he will deliver failure to the US on Ukraine 

Failure??? I disagree

He said he’d end the war before taking office.

More evidence that Trump is, and always has been, full of it.

19 ( +22 / -3 )

This man is just a deranged old grump

19 ( +21 / -2 )

Don Jr flew into Greenland a few hours ago aboard Trump Force One with an entourage. He got cheers and a crowd at the airport reception that appeared to include local officials, later handed out "Make Greenland Great Again" caps. He also got his dad on video link via his phone while speaking to locals and he said: "We’re going to treat you well."

-18 ( +4 / -22 )

Trump is so high on his own supply that he actually believes this nonsense will deliver positive results.

Relax, calm down. It makes sense in the bigger scheme of things, in 1867 After the U.S. purchased Alaska from Russia, there were discussions about acquiring Greenland and Iceland, but a formal offer were made and in 1946 the U.S. offered to buy Greenland from Denmark for $100 million in gold.l were interested in Greenland for its strategic location in the Arctic during the early stages of the Cold War. Denmark declined the offer, they chose to keep Greenland as part of its kingdom.

So it’s not a Trump or nutty thing since it has been attempted before.

It won’t,

It might…

and he’ll end up even more despised than the first time around.

No, but you need to try. Dems don’t think that that, they believe in political correctness, pronouns and robbing Paul to give to Peter.

He said he’d end the war before taking office. 

Ok, come on now, anyway, once he’s in, this war will eventually come to an end

-27 ( +5 / -32 )

Denmark sold the islands to the US that are now the US Virgin Islands.

-13 ( +6 / -19 )

Denmark sold the islands to the US that are now the US Virgin Islands.

So it would seem that they might be interested. Would make perfect sense.

-18 ( +7 / -25 )

So, guess we're all just waiting for the US's updated 9 or 11 dash line to be published. haha

-14 ( +4 / -18 )

bass4funkToday 07:32 am JST

I suspect he knows he will deliver failure to the US on Ukraine

Failure??? I disagree.

Our enemy enlarging their territory on the Black Sea is objectively a failure.

and so he is looking for other mad/irrelevant schemes to claim he is winning bigly.

Well, he kind of is

I suspect no one will be fooled in the long term.

5 ( +12 / -7 )

If Trump were actually serious about some big international win, he would have kept negotiations secret. As it is, backs are up against a wall and Trump will never get these things he blusters over.

2 ( +9 / -7 )

Alfie NoakesToday 07:29 am JST

This would be comical if the US weren't currently funding neo-Nazis in Ukraine, genocidal Zionist child murderers in Israel and rebranded Al Qaeda medieval barbarians in Syria.

The nazis are the invaders in Ukraine and the US has nothing to do with Al Qaeda anywhere.

4 ( +13 / -9 )

Does Trump have a worm in his brain wanting to invade Greenland and the Panama Canal?

16 ( +21 / -5 )

For the US to use military force to seize the Panama Canal is not beyond even recent precedent. In 1989, they ruthlessly assaulted Panama in a non-UN authorized, said-charter violating flagrant breach of international law invasion indiscriminately mass-killing thousands of innocents (i.e. something they have done loads of times before). They cynically labelled it "Op. Just Cause".

Panama watch out.

-11 ( +7 / -18 )

Even though I am American, he nor Bowman, or Musk, will never be my President. No respect to them. Respect is earned, not given.

12 ( +16 / -4 )

once he’s in, this war will eventually come to an end

That’s quite a backpedal from in one day.

“They’re dying, Russians and Ukrainians. I want them to stop dying. And I’ll have that done — I’ll have that done in 24 hours.”

Anything will ‘eventually’ happen after I eat my breakfast this morning. Wow! I did it! Maybe I’ll get a Nobel peace prize nomination.

13 ( +16 / -3 )

Even though I am American, he nor Bowman, or Musk, will never be my President. No respect to them. Respect is earned, not given.

I understand, I felt the same about Biden and Obama

-24 ( +4 / -28 )

For those of us who are embarrassed by this idiot and dreading the fact that he's got four years (if he makes it that long) to turn our international reputation into fertiliser, I think the best thing we can do is, like the Beatles song says, "turn off your mind, relax, and float downstream". Just tune out. He can't be president for a third time (at least according to the current setup; I'm sure he's got people working on overturning that as well), so if we can just sort of let the next four years pass in a semi-conscious haze, that may be the least traumatising option.

Heck, if we're really lucky, he'll do so badly that the midterms will see a reversal of fortune, but I'm not convinced that will happen, if a third of the country doesn't bother to show up, and one of the two thirds that does is motivated by all the things in our worst natures.

Anyway, happy floating downstream.

15 ( +18 / -3 )

We've got another four years of this madness to come.

The only winners are going to be the real adversaries of the USA - Russia and China. And Trump is going to focus on making enemies of the USA's traditional allies.

In the positive side, it's only four years, unless he dies sooner.

18 ( +20 / -2 )

As a neutral, non-American observer, I have to say that I look forward to the party because I watched US politics for a year and noticed how his supporters all rallied around him calling him a "man of peace" and that they would be so glad to get rid of the "warmonger" Biden. But he will make it right with his NATO-hating supporters because attacking Greenland, a region of Denmark, will be an attack on NATO that will require a response via Article 5.

10 ( +11 / -1 )

For those of us who are embarrassed by this idiot and dreading the fact that he's got four years (if he makes it that long)

He should, God willing

to turn our international reputation into fertiliser,

It already is, sadly.

I think the best thing we can do is, like the Beatles song says, "turn off your mind, relax, and float downstream". Just tune out.

Been telling libs that for 9 years, but did they listen? Nope.

He can't be president for a third time (at least according to the current setup; I'm sure he's got people working on overturning that as well),

No, he’s got Vance and he’s even more shrewd.

so if we can just sort of let the next four years pass in a semi-conscious haze, that may be the least traumatising option.

Well, at this point, the Dems don’t even have a leader that can get their party out of the political abyss they put themselves in and rightfully so.

Heck, if we're really lucky, he'll do so badly that the midterms will see a reversal of fortune,

Oh, I doubt that.

but I'm not convinced that will happen, if a third of the country doesn't bother to show up, and one of the two thirds that does is motivated by all the things in our worst natures.

Anyway, happy floating downstream.

Anyway, two more weeks and Biden will go off to retirement, that’s the only thing that matters now.

-21 ( +1 / -22 )

JJEToday  06:45 am JST

Certain powers seize strategic property on their periphery or in their back/front yard in the interests of national security - and to keep other powers/alliances from setting up shop there.

Happens in many regions of the world. Nothing out of the ordinary.

"Bullies should be allowed to bully, and their victims should cave into them without protest".

12 ( +14 / -2 )

No American cargo ships are using the Panama Canal.

9 ( +12 / -3 )

Americans are not concerned about Greenland or the Panama Canal. They want Trump to concentrate on the issues causing problems in their daily lives: the cost of living, rent, jobs, and healthcare.

13 ( +16 / -3 )

Good times ahead!

Go Trump!

-20 ( +2 / -22 )

JJE and others,

this is Nero Ver2.0 in the making!

*"We’re going to treat you well.***" **

Yeah, that's what others said, too, some 90 years ago.

Trump is an utter disgrace and embarrassment!

"No, he’s got Vance and he’s even more shrewd."

Bass, I strongly assume you forgot to replace the "h" with a "c", and an "e" is missing concerning that last word!

The next 4 years will be a complete disaster for the USofA!

7 ( +10 / -3 )

No American cargo ships are using the Panama Canal.

Doesn’t matter the Canal is vital to our national interest and overall sovereignty in this hemisphere.

The Panama Canal is vital to America’s interests for several key reasons, spanning economic, military, and geopolitical considerations: The canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, providing a critical shortcut for global maritime trade. Without the canal, ships would have to navigate around South America via Cape Horn, adding significant time and cost to shipping. A significant portion of U.S. goods—particularly agricultural exports, energy resources, and manufactured products.

The canal allows the U.S. Navy to quickly move ships between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, which is crucial during conflicts or to respond to emergencies.

Historically, the U.S. saw control over the canal as vital for its security and defense interests, ensuring that adversaries could not block or control this key passage.

Regional Stability: The canal boosts Panama’s economy and stability, which indirectly supports U.S. interests in maintaining a stable and cooperative partner in Central America.

Global Power Projection: The U.S. originally built and controlled the canal (completed in 1914), reinforcing its status as a global power during the 20th century. Even after the handover to Panama in 1999, the canal remains a focal point of U.S. strategic influence in the Western Hemisphere.

Oil and LNG Transit: The canal facilitates the transport of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) and crude oil to Asian and European markets, critical to America’s energy export strategy.

Supply Chain Reliability: With growing dependence on global supply chains, the canal ensures the smooth flow of goods, particularly between U.S. East Coast ports and Asian markets.

So it makes sense for Trump to try and secure the Canal

-24 ( +2 / -26 )

Trump is clinical insane

11 ( +14 / -3 )

That's a telling statement.

Hope so

You couldn't care less what happens next, as long as "Biden isn't in the White House".

Heck yeah!!!

In other words, as long as Trump is president, you actually don't GAF what happens to the country.

I do, that’s why I voted for him.

He could sell out to any dictator out there, and you'd find a way to rationalise it.

He’s not Biden, so I’m not worried

He could indeed attack Greenland and try to annex it by force. His plans for tariffs could lead to economic disaster. You wouldn't care.

If won’t come to that.

Some patriot you are.

Absolutely!

The next 4 years will be a complete disaster for the USofA!

Quite the opposite

-19 ( +3 / -22 )

Greenland isn't some real estate.

13 ( +15 / -2 )

Greenland isn't some real estate.

Depends, it’s been done before.

-19 ( +1 / -20 )

Panama does not prevent American ships from using it. A lack of water due to climate change means fewer ships per day.

The US could construct a new canal.

11 ( +13 / -2 )

Panama itself is a US creation. The land area used to be Colombia.

Interesting back story on this.

As for the rest, typical Trump delusional meanderings.

Glad Australia is so far away.

15 ( +17 / -2 )

Freewheeling? More like Quickly-Sinking...

The Moron just threw all his MAGA anti-immigrant supporters "under the border"....

In the fight for the MAGA movement, he sided with the MIGA tech bro billionaires - who want to Make Immigrants Great Again...

This inflamed and outraged MAGA heroes like Steve Bannon and his former far-right cupcake Laura Loomer...

Here's what the MAGA little guy is saying now;

"I was, but his recent statements on H-1B ruined it for me. He completely flipped on the issue, and to me it looks like he's caving to the pressure from big tech and Elon Musk. We did not vote for him to increase 'legal' immigration. We don't need 'many more people coming in,' like he said recently. It's a slap in the face to his voters to be honest. It's obvious this isn't even a country anymore. It's just an economic zone to be exploited."

"Just want to report that a lot of Trump supporters feel backstabbed and betrayed by Trump following his Elon worshipping and the H1B fiasco. Been out of decent work for a long, long time now and am fed up. Trump also just gave Democrats a mid term victory in 2026."

"I am very bitter over Ramaswamy's remarks! I'm also very bitter over Musk's support of this and of Trump's support! Is this what Musk wanted all along? Is this why he worked so hard to get Trump elected? They should be ashamed at what they are saying about Americans! What a stab in the back!"

https://www.yahoo.com/news/donald-trumps-recent-pro-immigration-182052645.html

Moreover, with his unhinged and crazy rants and posts, Trump is showing us every day he is far further into dementia than Biden - the guy is a walking lemon meringue pie...and is holding the nuclear button... Gold help us....

14 ( +15 / -1 )

After watching all of his conference speech, the interesting point was of course the content (and some squirrelly ones there - check out his itchy electric heater comments or the need to push the buttons multiple times on Biden favored washing machines and dishwashers - hilarious), but more to notice was his manner of delivery.

The ramble is back big time.

Some signs of serious decline there.

He'd better have a solid, thinking, competent behind-the-scenes support/advice battalion around him, because I doubt he can stay the course on that performance.

I recommend everyone to watch the video if you can.

11 ( +11 / -0 )

all this nonsense about things nobody cares about to distract the weak minded that

he won't end the invasion of ukraine within 24 hours

food prices are not going to plummet because he said so

everyone will not be suddenly rich after he imposes tariffs

americans will not become wealthy from picking vegetables and butchering chicken when he deports the people doing it now

cryptocurrency is not going to save america

ending vaccines that have saved tens of millions from horrible viruses, but prayer has not saved a single person from them

16 ( +16 / -0 )

China does not control the Panama Canal.

False. While Chinese companies manage two of the five ports near the Panama Canal and have invested in related infrastructure, these activities are distinct from the canal's governance and operations. The Panama Canal Authority has maintained full control of the canal since 1999, when Panama regained sovereignty over the waterway.

https://www.newsweek.com/fact-check-does-china-control-panama-canal-trump-suggests-2006047

13 ( +14 / -1 )

If you look at recent domestic developments in Greenland, the independence movement is gathering steam.

Trump's team may exploit this and co-opt it by declaring it a 'protectorate' or 'territory' or some subterfuge. Anything that makes the seizure of territory not appear as an outright annexation under duress/coercion (which it will be).

US could easily pay more in subsidies than Denmark does. The place is loaded with untapped minerals. Also has a stake in Arctic regions.

If you watched the press conference, an interesting point was where he openly questioned whether Denmark holds a legitimate claim to Greenland, then said there would either be a vote for independence or to 'come into the United States'.

-17 ( +0 / -17 )

" But he will make it right with his NATO-hating supporters because attacking Greenland, a region of Denmark, will be an attack on NATO that will require a response via Article 5."

Yes, there is a real high chance of Trump attacking Denmark territory real soon. Lets get the popcorn out, slight risk we might all go grey waiting for it though.

That's a telling statement. You couldn't care less what happens next, as long as "Biden isn't in the White House".

My US friends say Biden is senile and should have been sent off to retirement years ago. You and your team of course kept insisting he was sharp as a a tack until he was pushed aside for the Harris disaster. You were wrong as usual. Majority of US voters obviously agreed hence the Democrat electoral wipeout.

-13 ( +1 / -14 )

China does not control the Panama Canal.

Sure, I absolutely believe China because they are the most honest people around.

False. While Chinese companies manage two of the five ports near the Panama Canal

That’s two, too many

and have invested in related infrastructure, these activities are distinct from the canal's governance and operations. The Panama Canal Authority has maintained full control of the canal since 1999, when Panama regained sovereignty over the waterway.

Anyway, the U.S. should have control and influence over its hemisphere and the Americas. Keep pushing Mr. President.

-20 ( +1 / -21 )

JJEToday 08:16 am JST

For the US to use military force to seize the Panama Canal is not beyond even recent precedent. In 1989, they ruthlessly assaulted Panama in a non-UN authorized, said-charter violating flagrant breach of international law invasion indiscriminately mass-killing thousands of innocents (i.e. something they have done loads of times before). They cynically labelled it "Op. Just Cause".

And if we didn't, mouthpieces would be saying that the US runs a drug dealing junta in that country. Just can't win.

2 ( +6 / -4 )

If Denmark can sell Washington the Virgin Islands, then it stands to reason that a sale of Greenland could be arranged.

Copenhagen may not want to sell but Trump will make them an offer they can't refuse.

-16 ( +0 / -16 )

BurgerlandToday 09:12 am JST

Majority of US voters obviously agreed hence the Democrat electoral wipeout.

US voters were probably smart enough to separate Harris from Biden. Your "US friends" maybe not.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

JJEToday 09:11 am JST

If you look at recent domestic developments in Greenland, the independence movement is gathering steam.

Trump's team may exploit this and co-opt it by declaring it a 'protectorate' or 'territory' or some subterfuge. Anything that makes the seizure of territory not appear as an outright annexation under duress/coercion (which it will be).

US could easily pay more in subsidies than Denmark does. The place is loaded with untapped minerals. Also has a stake in Arctic regions.

If you watched the press conference, an interesting point was where he openly questioned whether Denmark holds a legitimate claim to Greenland, then said there would either be a vote for independence or to 'come into the United States'.

russian mouthpieces really specialize in the logic of looting, don't they?

6 ( +9 / -3 )

Only the Senate through treaty can purchase new territory

3 ( +5 / -2 )

bass4funkToday 08:10 am JST

As it is, backs are up against a wall and Trump will never get these things he blusters over

No, I think liberals hope it doesn’t go through. Remember, you guys said:

He will go to prison

He will pay the porn star

He will never become President

Nothing what the Dems promised came to fruition, give it up.

Remember how Mexico built that wall for us and the Affordable Care Act was repealed?

8 ( +10 / -2 )

only the Senate through treaty can purchase new territory

And who controls the Senate?

-13 ( +1 / -14 )

Americans. Sigh!!!!

12 ( +13 / -1 )

Remember how Mexico built that wall for us and the Affordable Care Act was repealed?

I remember Pelosi blocking funds for it, I remember how Mitch tried to block it, I remember how Biden and Myorkas allowed over 10 million illegals come into the U.S. Anyway, can’t wait now to get it built and completed this time around, I’m happy.

-16 ( +1 / -17 )

BlacklabelToday 09:39 am JST

only the Senate through treaty can purchase new territory

And who controls the Senate?

Guess what percentage of the Senate you need to do that.

8 ( +10 / -2 )

bass4funkToday 09:41 am JST

Remember how Mexico built that wall for us and the Affordable Care Act was repealed?

I remember Pelosi blocking funds for it, I remember how Mitch tried to block it,

Pelosi and Mitch McConnel do not represent Mexico.

Anyway, can’t wait now to get it built and completed this time around, I’m happy.

What makes you think you are any more powerful now?

6 ( +8 / -2 )

Biden and Myorkas allowed over 10 million illegals come into the U.S

Reagan gave out millions of greencards and that goes even further.

9 ( +11 / -2 )

Another meandering, disjointed and rambling speech. He's really starting to show his age. There must be huge question marks over his mental acuity. He should stroll off and take a seat in the long grass, suck a beer and strop bothering everyone.

9 ( +10 / -1 )

Denmark is a NATO member. Things could get interesting in a big hurry were the US to make a move to take Greenland and Denmark invoked NATO Article 5.

11 ( +13 / -2 )

funny how the media are all talking about this now and meanwhile the questionable picks for government positions are flying under the radar. coincidence? i think not

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Trump has ambitions to take over Canada but said he won't use military force but use economics instead.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

This none sense has to stop, all country except russia will do everything to black trump and his crazy ideas.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Trump had the same units of power from 2017-18. He's not growing stronger.

Difference is he had more Republicans who are MAGA and not establishment Republican RINOS in Congress this time around.

-16 ( +0 / -16 )

Trump had the same units of power from 2017-18. He's not growing stronger.

I beg to differ, the supreme court is stacked in his favor. Soon the DOD, FBI and CIA will be filled with rubber stamping yes men.

I would be very very concerned for the future of the "land of the free".

6 ( +8 / -2 )

Republicans had the Whitehouse, Congress and Senate majorities when he failed last time.

Yes, now that the Dems and RINOS are out, that problem should be squashed.

-15 ( +1 / -16 )

the supreme court is stacked in his favor. Soon the DOD, FBI and CIA will be filled with rubber stamping yes men.

I agree. There will be fewer guardrails on Trump this time. But not none.

I think the strongest guardrail will the American public, who will increasingly hate what this man does to their country for the sake of himself.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

Trump's only interest in Greenland is the Arctic gas, oil, and minerals. Putin won't be happy with the new American territory on its doorstep.

Would Trump give full American citizenship to all the Greenlanders including full voting rights?

4 ( +7 / -3 )

I think the strongest guardrail will the American public, who will increasingly hate what this man does to their country for the sake of himself.

Let's hope so.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

What does Trump thinks of himself, the owner of the world??..

What a danger for peace and democracy this narcissistic psycho will be for the world..

Democracy will die from Jan20..

2 ( +8 / -6 )

Peter Neil

...the Philippines. the same one where American troops murders the rebels who wanted independence - to be free from colonial rule. America took over the sovereign nation of Hawaii with marines acting for the fruit farmers.

Totally spot on. Just a reminder to our fellow participants about the nature of the past and present US administrations. The land of the free, right?

A must watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wIOqHSsV9c

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

Would Trump give full American citizenship to all the Greenlanders including full voting rights?

Then he'll have to do the same with Puerto Rico.

As is now, Greenlanders get lots of social welfare benefits from Denmark, including free education and healthcare. I doubt they'd be happy with American-style education or healthcare.

10 ( +11 / -1 )

bass4funkToday 10:10 am JST

Republicans had the Whitehouse, Congress and Senate majorities when he failed last time.

Yes, now that the Dems and RINOS are out, that problem should be squashed.

I believe at least three senators who voted to impeach the insurrectionist would like a word with you.

10 ( +11 / -1 )

Democracy will die from Jan20..

In the USA only

8 ( +9 / -1 )

 it would "never back down" over Trump's threats.

What exactly were these "threats" ?

-7 ( +0 / -7 )

KnightsOfCydoniaToday 10:09 am JST

Trump had the same units of power from 2017-18. He's not growing stronger.

I beg to differ, the supreme court is stacked in his favor. Soon the DOD, FBI and CIA will be filled with rubber stamping yes men.

We're not exactly sure how the loony toons being put in the agencies will play out. The Biden administration has been moving federal employees out of the reach of nutters. Most likely the appointees will go back to chair spinning, the only thing they are qualified for.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Greenlanders would lose more freedoms than they have now under American rule.

6 ( +10 / -4 )

plasticmonkeyToday 10:20 am JST

I doubt they'd be happy with American-style education or healthcare.

Our education system is almost entirely under local control and they might appreciate being able to get a doctor's appointment in the same year they ask for one.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Addicted to headlines, Trump loves to wind folks up and grab attention among other things.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

wallaceToday 10:29 am JST

Greenlanders would lose more freedoms than they have now under American rule.

And what freedoms would those be? We don't have hate speech laws in the US:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hate_speech_laws_in_Denmark

-6 ( +3 / -9 )

Trump has ambitions to take over Canada but said he won't use military force but use economics instead.

That is deeply shameful thing for him to say such a thing. The US will be a pariah more reviled than even North Korea, and deservedly so, if he tries to do these things.

6 ( +9 / -3 )

And what freedoms would those be? We don't have hate speech laws in the US:

Social welfare, education, healthcare, pensions, income-replacing benefits, public benefits. For those with low or no income or who don't meet regularities, housing subsidies, child benefits, early retirement pension, home help and care, nursing home places, relief measures for disabled residents, and protected workshop jobs.

Greenland follows the Nordic Model for social welfare.

10 ( +11 / -1 )

wallaceToday 10:39 am JST

And what freedoms would those be? We don't have hate speech laws in the US:

Social welfare, education, healthcare, pensions, income-replacing benefits, public benefits. For those with low or no income or who don't meet regularities, housing subsidies, child benefits, early retirement pension, home help and care, nursing home places, relief measures for disabled residents, and protected workshop jobs.

Greenland follows the Nordic Model for social welfare.

Really not freedoms as we consider them in the US, but thank you for the reply.

-6 ( +3 / -9 )

But the protections and freedoms they get…..priceless

Greenland does not allow guns. What will Trump do about that when he decides to make Greenland part of the USA? Also, many Americans go bankrupt when they go to the hospital. Can Trump create a separate healthcare system so going to the hospital in Greenland does not end up in bankruptcy? Will Trump give all Greenlanders free healthcare? What are the details?

Greenlandic citizens can work in the European Union (EU) because they are also citizens of the Realm of Denmark and the EU.

(Internet Source)

They will also become citizens of the USA then USA can become part of the EU. The EU becomes part of the USA? What's going on?

Does this mean that Americans can also work in the EU? Will all EU people be allowed to work in the USA too? How does this work Trump people?

7 ( +7 / -0 )

wallaceToday 10:39 am JST

I would also offer that I bet there are homeless in Copenhagen for whom the social welfare is not really working out.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

I disagree

You are not a Greenlander.

12 ( +13 / -1 )

Anyone who thinks The US will buy Greenland is not fit for intelligent debate.

11 ( +12 / -1 )

Trump wants to rename it Trumpland and the people Trumplanders. What's in a name anyway?

6 ( +8 / -2 )

I would also offer that I bet there are homeless in Copenhagen for whom the social welfare is not really working out.

Copenhagen is not in Greenland.

There are fewer homeless in Copenhagen than in any major American city. In February 2024, 2,776 people were registered as homeless in the Greater Copenhagen area.

They receive better care and treatment than in the US.

Services for the homeless

Some services for the homeless in Copenhagen include:

HealthTeam: A primary health service that works with patients in their homes, providing treatment and referrals to the secondary health system. 

WeShelter: A social support and counseling organization that runs homeless shelters and community centers. 

The Compass: A service that provides a place to rest, help with job applications, and advice on rights and responsibilities. 

The Homeless Bill of Rights

In October 2023, Copenhagen signed the Homeless Bill of Rights, which aims to reduce homelessness and prioritize the rights of homeless people. 

Some put the homeless figure at 10,000 to 15,000.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

Greenland has universal healthcare and the US does not.

13 ( +13 / -0 )

wallaceToday 10:52 am JST

I would also offer that I bet there are homeless in Copenhagen for whom the social welfare is not really working out.

Copenhagen is not in Greenland.

Good for Greenland. We should all live in small towns.

There are fewer homeless in Copenhagen than in any major American city. In February 2024, 2,776 people were registered as homeless in the Greater Copenhagen area.

Fewer is not zero. Counting homeless is difficult. There were only 45,000 counted in the city of Los Angeles. My point is that there are still many cracks in the vaunted social welfare states.

-8 ( +2 / -10 )

Fewer is not zero. Counting homeless is difficult. There were only 45,000 counted in the city of Los Angeles. My point is that there are still many cracks in the vaunted social welfare states.

There will always be "cracks" in social welfare support even here in Japan but the point is that many more can have them.

I would not want to see the American private health system here in Japan.

My point about Greenlanders you miss is that they enjoy social programs that would not have under an American administration.

What benefits would they gain?

13 ( +13 / -0 )

The Greenland "X" post is total rubbish from Don Jr and his team. ROFL.

9 ( +9 / -0 )

Do you use that?

Yes, Trump people are happy with the Japanese government healthcare system. They decide to live in Japan (and they are happy to NOT have their guns here)

6 ( +8 / -2 )

Trump wants to rename it Trumpland and the people Trumplanders. What's in a name anyway?

Magadonia would be great.

-10 ( +2 / -12 )

Bassforfunk

Doesn’t matter the Canal is vital to our national interest and overall sovereignty in this hemisphere.

Cool. Just be sure to afford other sovereign nations the same right, as they see fit for their national interests.

6 ( +9 / -3 )

Classic Donald Trump playbook, provoke, create confusion, antagonise, bait, trigger.

Dominate the agenda.

Trump hasn't even taken the oath.

The media fall for his "gaming" a mandate every time.

-3 ( +5 / -8 )

Will Greenland become "Orangeland"? The Danes and Greenlanders won't stand for any meddling by an American ignoramus.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

Treaties need a two-thirds vote. That's why the USA hasn't passed any meaningful treaty in years and years.

And who controls the Senate?

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

All these people talking as if they have any say in this. You don’t and it doesn’t concern you what the people of Greenland may want for their future.

What kind of country I live in concerns me directly. I don't want my government coercing other nations to surrender their territory to the US under threat of military action. That is not, or should not be, who we are as Americans. I especially don't want my government coercing the Canadians in any way to become a part of the US. It is deeply immoral to do so. I don't want the US to be seen has having territorial ambitions on any other nation. We have enough land. We don't need any more. Take care of what we have. I have every right to be concerned about this and will be in the streets protesting if that old reprobate Jupiter tries. I am old and disabled but I will find a way. What he is pitching is un American in a deeply profound way.

9 ( +11 / -2 )

The distance between the East Coast of America and Moscow is 6,000 km. The distance from Greenland is 2,000 km. Putin won't accept that.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

I have every right to be concerned about this

What he is pitching is un American in a deeply profound way.

Again, our MAGA friends are not concerned about ethics, a responsible civil society, justice, democratic norms, etc. They care about their "team" "winning".

Anything Trump says is the word of the Lord to these people.

7 ( +10 / -3 )

It’s concerning that maga still believe in ‘the art of the deal’ a book completely ghost written 4 decades ago and which the author now deeply regrets.

7 ( +10 / -3 )

wallaceToday 11:02 am JST

What benefits would they gain?

They would gain lower taxes, shorter doctor wait times, and at least some measure of greater freedom of speech. Some may consider firearm ownership a benefit although I do not.

-9 ( +2 / -11 )

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