President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday doubled down on plans his plans to pursue plans control over the Panama Canal and Greenland. Trump refused to rule out the use of military or economic coercion to achieve these objectives, stating their importance for the United States’ economic security. His comments, were made during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago a day after Congress certified his 2024 electoral victory.
During the press conference Trump also touched upon Russia’s war with Ukraine which he again blamed on the Biden administration and also said that he was “looking at” pardoning January 6 rioters.
When asked by a reporter on whether he could assure the world that the United States would avoid military/economic coercion against Greenland and Panama, Trump responded bluntly, “No, I can’t assure you on either of those two.” He went on to describe the Panama Canal as a “vital national asset” and criticised its current management under Panama and China.
“The Panama Canal was built for a military purpose; it is vital to our country. We gave the Panama Canal to Panama, not China. Giving it away was a horrible mistake,” Trump remarked, linking the decision to the political downfall of former President Jimmy Carter.
While no formal plans were unveiled, his comments suggest a continuation of his administration’s interest in acquiring the autonomous territory from Denmark, a pursuit that had been previously rebuffed.
‘Will rename Gulf of Mexico as Gulf of America’
The president-elect also announced his intention to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America,” a proposal he described as symbolically fitting and necessary. “Mexico has to stop allowing millions of people to pour into our country,” he added, tying the name change to his broader anti-immigration agenda.
On pardoning Jan 6 rioters
Trump also signaled that he is considering pardons for January 6 rioters, including those charged with violent offenses, as he also raised concerns about the ongoing war in Ukraine. Trump said he was “looking at” the possibility of extending pardons to individuals involved in the 2021 US Capitol insurrection, reiterating his broader promise to address cases connected to the event.
“We’re looking at it, and we have other people in there,” Trump said when asked about pardoning rioters charged with violent offenses. He added, “People that were doing some bad things weren’t prosecuted, and people that didn’t even walk into the building are in jail right now. So, we’ll be looking at the whole thing. But I’ll be making major pardons, yes.”
On the subject of international tensions, Trump expressed concerns over Russia’s war in Ukraine, warning that it is “much more complicated” now and risks escalating. “That war could escalate to be much worse than it is right now,” he remarked, criticising President Joe Biden’s approach to negotiations with Ukraine.
‘All hell will break out if hostages on released before Jan 20’
Trump also reiterated his warning that if hostages still held in Gaza are not released by his inauguration on January 20, “all hell will break out in the Middle East.” He stated that the situation would not bode well for Hamas or anyone else involved.
Trump added that the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel “should never have happened.” Steve Witkoff, his appointed special envoy to the Middle East, confirmed that negotiations for the hostages’ release are progressing, expressing optimism that positive developments would occur before the inauguration. Witkoff will return to Doha to continue talks, driven by Trump’s influence and reputation.
$20 billion investment in US data centres
At the press conference Trump also announced of a $20 billion investment in US data centres by DAMAC Properties, a company led by Emirati billionaire Hussain Sajwani. “This commitment wouldn’t have happened without the election,” Trump declared, emphasising his plans to streamline regulatory approvals for projects exceeding $1 billion. Sajwani, a long-time Trump business partner, praised the president-elect’s leadership, describing his re-election as a source of inspiration for the investment.
While Trump presented the DAMAC deal as evidence of his economic prowess, critics have noted the close ties between Sajwani and the Trump Organisation, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest. DAMAC has previously collaborated with Trump on luxury real estate projects, including the Trump International Golf Club in Dubai. Plans for a second Trump-branded golf course fell through after Trump’s 2016 victory, though the company remains a significant partner.
Trump’s renewed focus on the Panama Canal and Greenland has reignited debates about US foreign policy priorities and sovereignty. Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino had earlier rejected Trump’s demands outright, describing them as an affront to his country’s independence. “Every square metre of the canal belongs to Panama and will continue to belong to us,” Mulino stated, calling on his citizens to unite in defence of their sovereignty.
