President-elect Donald Trump ran on a platform of isolating the US from foreign conflicts like the war in Ukraine, increasing tariffs on foreign trading partners and restoring domestic manufacturing.
But in recent days he has suggested a more outwardly aggressive approach to his foreign policy.
He originally joked that Canada was an extra US state. He has since threatened to to regain control of the Panama Canal. He also reiterated his desire from his first term to own the autonomous Danish territory of Greenland, which not for sale.
It is unlikely that the US will take control of any of these regions. But these statements could indicate that Trump's “America First” vision includes flexing the superpower's muscles beyond its borders for US trade and national security interests.
On Sunday, Trump told a conservative conference in Arizona that Panama was charging US ships “ridiculous, extremely unfair” fees to use the canal of the same name.
After taking over construction of the canal in the early 20th century, the US transferred full control to Panama in the 1970s by treaty. But Trump said this week that if the “looting” did not stop, he would demand that the channel be returned to the US – though he did not specify how.
Trump added that he did not want the Panama Canal to “fall into the wrong hands” and specifically cited China, which has significant interests in the waterway.
“There is a real U.S. national security interest … in controlling its neutrality,” Will Freeman, a fellow for Latin American studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, said of Trump's remarks.
“Trump's statement is mostly about that.
China is the second largest user of the Panama Canal after the US, according to data. There are large economic investments in the country as well.
in 2017 Panama severed diplomatic relations with Taiwan and recognized it as part of China, a major victory for Beijing.
The Panama Canal is not only essential to US trade in the Pacific, Mr Freeman said – in the event of any military conflict with China, it will be needed to move US ships and other assets.
He also noted Trump's frequent comments about the unfair treatment of U.S. trading partners, as well as the president-elect's promise to sharply increase tariffs on foreign goods, especially those from China.
Trump's complaints about shipping fees appear to reflect his views on trade, Mr. Freeman said.
While the statements may be “coercive”, Mr Freeman said, it remains to be seen “whether the canal authorities will reduce US cargo charges in response to the threat”.
Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino released a statement saying the canal and the surrounding area belong to his country – and will remain so.
Over the weekend, Trump said in a social media post that the US “feels that ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity” for reasons of national security and global freedom.
The US maintains the Pituffik space base in Greenland. The territory is rich in natural resources, including rare earth minerals and oil, and occupies a strategic location for trade as world powers seek to expand their reach into the Arctic Circle.
Russia, in particular, sees the region as a strategic opportunity.
Trump floated the idea of buying Greenland in 2019, during his first term as president, and it never materialized.
Greenland's prime minister, Mute B Egede, responded to Trump's latest comments this week: “We are not for sale and we will not be for sale.”
Still, Trump continued to emphasize his public speaking engagements online.
On Truth Social, Trump's account showed an image of an American flag stuck in the middle of the Panama Canal.
His second eldest son, Eric Trump, posted an image of X showing the US adding Greenland, the Panama Canal and Canada to Amazon's online shopping cart.
For Trump, promises to use America's power to his advantage helped propel his two successful presidential campaigns.
It was a tactic he used during his first presidency, threatening tariffs and deploying “armed soldiers” to get Mexico to step up enforcement along the U.S. border.
Heading into his second term, Trump may plan to use a similar playbook once he takes office on Jan. 20.
Although it remains to be seen what will happen, Denmark has expressed a willingness to work with his administration.
He also announced a huge boost in defense costs of Greenlandhours after Trump reiterated his desire to buy the Arctic territory.