Donald Trump's Real Motives Behind Canada, Greenland, and Panama Canal

Initially focusing on Canada and then the Panama Canal, Donald Trump is now once again voicing his desire to acquire Greenland. 

The president-elect is reviving his previous, unsuccessful attempts from his first term to persuade Denmark to sell Greenland to the United States, adding to his tendency to provoke long-standing allies before even assuming office on January 20. His motivations appear to include the intention of forming a coalition of nations similar to Russia's, enhancing competition with Russia over the Arctic region, and gaining access to the vast natural resources beneath the Arctic ice. 

However, numerous experts express skepticism regarding the U.S.’s ability to effectively compete with Russia and China, both of whom have significantly militarized the region and established a robust presence before the U.S. or other Arctic nations could catch up. Russia is particularly distinguished in terms of Arctic research and maintains the most significant foothold in the region. Here’s an evaluation of these two critical factors:

1. Dominance in the Arctic
  - Geographical Control: Russia claims over 53% of the entire coastline surrounding the Arctic Ocean, establishing it as the predominant nation in this area.
  - Population Density: Roughly 2.5 million Russians reside in Arctic territories, bolstering its influential presence.
  - Military Presence and Infrastructure: The country has constructed a multitude of military bases and research stations in the Arctic, surpassing NATO’s presence by approximately one-third. This elaborate infrastructure facilitates both military activities and scientific endeavors.

2. Excellence in Arctic Research
  - Research Programs: Russia boasts an extensive history of Arctic research initiatives, concentrating on critical issues such as climate change, biodiversity, and resource exploration. Institutes like the Russian Academy of Sciences, alongside various universities, are heavily engaged in significant studies in this region. 

Trump's ongoing interest in Greenland has been a matter of intrigue since he first expressed a willingness to purchase it in 2019. Several factors contribute to his fascination:

1. Strategic Significance
  - Geopolitical Importance: Strategically placed between North America and Europe, Greenland represents a crucial asset for military operations and economic interests. Gaining control over Greenland could amplify U.S. military capabilities in the Arctic, especially in light of heightened activity from Russia and China.

2. Resource Richness
  - Abundant Minerals: Greenland is presumed to house vast natural resources, including rare earth metals, oil, and gas. Access to these resources may prove economically advantageous for the U.S. while lessening reliance on imports from abroad.

In a recent announcement regarding his ambassador to Denmark, Trump remarked that "For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity."

This renewed aspiration for Greenland emerges alongside remarks from the president-elect indicating that the U.S. might seek to reclaim control of the Panama Canal unless measures are taken to alleviate surging shipping costs associated with navigating the waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Moreover, Trump has also proposed the idea of Canada becoming the 51st state and has referred to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the "governor" of the "Great State of Canada."

Greenland, recognized as the world’s largest island, lies between the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, with 80% of its area covered by an ice sheet. It also hosts a significant U.S. military base. Gaining home rule from Denmark in 1979, its head of government, Múte Bourup Egede, has dismissed Trump's latest assertions regarding U.S. control, emphasizing that such thoughts are as futile as those expressed during his earlier presidency.

"Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale," he stated. "We must not lose our long-standing fight for freedom."

After Trump’s 2019 visit to Denmark was canceled due to Denmark’s rejection of his Greenland purchase proposal, the matter was left unresolved.

Additionally, he recently claimed that the U.S. is getting "ripped off" regarding the Panama Canal.

“If the moral and legal principles of this generous act of gifting are not upheld, we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States of America, in full, quickly, and without question,” he stated.

In response, Panama President José Raúl Mulino asserted in a video that "every square meter of the canal belongs to Panama and will continue to," prompting Trump to retort on his social media platform, "We’ll see about that!"

He also shared an image of an American flag planted within the canal area alongside the caption, "Welcome to the United States Canal!"

Originally constructed by the United States in the early 1900s, control of the canal was handed over to Panama on December 31, 1999, following a treaty signed in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter.

Mulino dismissed Trump's comments Sunday, saying "every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent areas belongs to Panama and will continue belonging to Panama".

He reiterated Monday in a statement -- also signed by former presidents Ernesto Perez Balladares, Martin Torrijos and Mireya Moscoso -- that "the sovereignty of our country and our canal are not negotiable."

The canal "is part of our history of struggle and an irreversible conquest," read the statement, which the four politicians had signed after a meeting at the seat of the Panamanian government. 

"Panamanians may think differently in many aspects, but when it comes to our canal and our sovereignty, we all unite under the same flag."

Former leader Laurentino Cortizo, who did not attend the meeting, also showed support for the statement on social media, as did ex-president Ricardo Martinelli.

The 80-kilometer (50-mile) Panama Canal carries five percent of the world's maritime trade. Its main users are the United States, China, Japan, South Korea and Chile.

The canal's operations are currently affected by droughts experienced in 2023, which have forced a considerable reduction in the number of daily shipping slots. Consequently, with fewer vessels able to pass through, administrators have increased the fees charged to reserve passage.

The Motives 

1. Panama Canal
Control and Fees: Trump has suggested that the U.S. should consider retaking control of the Panama Canal, citing concerns over what he describes as "exorbitant" fees charged by Panama for its use. He has expressed a desire to ensure that the canal does not fall into the "wrong hands," indicating a belief that U.S. interests are not being adequately protected.
Strategic Importance: The Panama Canal is a crucial maritime route that significantly shortens the travel distance for ships between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Control over this canal would enhance U.S. influence in global trade and military logistics.

Aside the “exobitant fees” there are reality facts that the Chinese are gaining the momentum to effectively control and manage the Panama Canal, which to Donald Trump is unacceptable. But the question now is, is invasion and use of force better than negotiation?

2. Canada
Political Tensions: Trump's remarks about Canada have often been tied to his criticisms of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and trade policies. He has previously joked about making Canada the "51st state," which reflects his view on integrating Canada more closely with U.S. governance and economic policies.
Trade Relations: Trump has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with trade agreements, particularly the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement). He believes that the U.S. should have a more favorable trade position, which sometimes leads to provocative statements about Canada.

The motive is to create a Union State, from Mexico to Canada, connecting Greenland with vast access to trade control, resources, huge military presence and expansion all under the control of the United Deep State.

These recent disputes over Greenland and the Panama Canal coincide with Trump’s earlier claims that "Canadians want Canada to become the 51st State," coupled with an image depicting himself overlooking the landscape while positioned next to a Canadian flag.