“We Will Make You Rich”: Trump Reaffirms Intent to Annex Greenland, Reclaim Panama Canal in Congressional Address
In his address to Congress, President Donald Trump reaffirmed ambitions to annex Greenland and reclaim the Panama Canal. He promised security and prosperity for Greenland residents amidst widespread local opposition. Trump's actions reflect his "America First" policy, raising concerns about international relations and U.S. diplomatic repercussions.
hassan benyoub 
Washington, D.C., March 4, 2025 – In his first address to Congress as president, Donald Trump doubled down on his ambition to annex Greenland, promising security and prosperity to its residents, while also vowing to reclaim control of the Panama Canal. The speech, delivered Tuesday, underscores his administration’s bold territorial and strategic goals, raising eyebrows globally.
Greenland: A Strategic Prize
Trump reiterated his long-standing goal, first floated in December 2024, to integrate Greenland—Denmark’s autonomous territory—into the United States. “One way or another, we will get it,” he declared, addressing Congress and directly appealing to Greenlanders: “I have a message tonight for the incredible people of Greenland. We strongly support your right to determine your own future, and if you wish, we welcome you to the United States of America.” This comes ahead of Greenland’s parliamentary elections on March 11, amplifying the geopolitical stakes.
Trump framed the annexation as vital for “international security,” promising Greenlanders, “We will ensure your safety, we will make you rich, and together, we will lead Greenland to heights you never imagined possible!” His rhetoric echoes his son Donald Trump Jr.’s February visit to Nuuk, where he touted U.S. investment and annexation benefits, despite local opposition (AP News, Feb 25, 2025).
Web reports show 85% of Greenlanders oppose U.S. annexation, per a January 2025 Verian poll for Sermitsiaq and Berlingske, with only 6% in favor (Wikipedia, March 5, 2025). Posts on X reflect skepticism, with @GreenlandVoice calling it “colonial arrogance,” while @USPatriotNow praised Trump’s “vision” ([X posts, March 4, 2025]).
Panama Canal: Reasserting U.S. Control
Trump also highlighted progress on reclaiming the Panama Canal, stating, “To further strengthen our national security, my administration will take back the Panama Canal, and we’ve already started to do so.” He cited BlackRock’s recent $22.8 billion acquisition of Panama Ports Company’s Balboa and Cristobal ports—previously controlled by Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison—as a key step, aligning with his concerns about Chinese influence (Bloomberg, March 4, 2025).
This follows Trump’s 2024 inaugural address, where he claimed the canal was “foolishly given to Panama” and criticized Chinese operations, prompting U.S. pressure on Panama (Atlantic Council, Feb 3, 2025). Panama’s government insists the canal remains under its sovereignty, but the port deal signals U.S. economic leverage, with 75% of canal traffic tied to American trade (WSJ, March 4, 2025).
Why It Matters
Trump’s territorial ambitions reflect his “America First” policy, prioritizing U.S. security amid NATO/UN exit talks and tensions with China. Greenland’s strategic Arctic position—rich in rare earths and near Russia—complements U.S. defense goals, while the Panama Canal ensures dominance over a critical trade route. However, both moves risk diplomatic backlash: Denmark and Greenland reject annexation, and Panama defends its sovereignty, per recent statements (Reuters, March 4, 2025).
Posts on X show global concern, with @EuroDiplomacy warning, “This could destabilize the Arctic and Americas,” while @TrumpNation cheered, “Trump is securing America’s future” ([X posts, March 4, 2025]). The timing—amid Ukraine peace talks and Gaza proposals—suggests a broader Trump strategy to reshape U.S. global influence.
What’s Next?
Trump’s Greenland push may face legal and diplomatic hurdles, with Denmark likely to resist, while Panama’s response to canal rhetoric will test U.S. relations.
