Donald Trump invited the people of Greenland this Tuesday to join the United States. He did so in a tone that sparked laughter among the congress members, suggesting that he would achieve it “one way or another.”
The unique invitation took place during the speech he delivered before the joint session of Congress, where he emphasized that Washington is eager to incorporate the island into its territory for reasons of national security.
“And I also have a message tonight for the amazing people of Greenland: we firmly support your right to determine your own future and, if you choose to do so, we welcome you to the United States of America,” the president stated, giving a nod to the just over 56,000 inhabitants of the vast territory, mostly indigenous Inuit.
The island, the largest in the world, has been an autonomous territory of Denmark since 1953.
However, Trump maintains that the European country should relinquish its control over the territory in order to, in his words, "protect the free world."
"We need Greenland for national security and even for international security. We are working with everyone involved to try to achieve this,” he noted.
"We really need it for global security, and I believe we are going to achieve it. We will get it one way or another," she emphasized with a mischievous look and tone that elicited laughter in the Capitol and foreshadowed many headaches for the Danish government.
"We will keep them safe and together. And we will make them rich. We will take Greenland to heights they have never believed possible,” he concluded.
Greenland holds strategic importance for the U.S. as it lies on its shortest route to Europe. Additionally, it hosts significant reserves of minerals and oil.
Insist on the Panama Canal
On the other hand, Trump has made it clear that his view on the Panama Canal has not changed.
"Something very big is going to happen", he asserted last February regarding what would occur if the United States does not reclaim it.
Trump has now assured that his administration has already begun to regain control over the Panama Canal, pointing out that just yesterday the American BlackRock, one of the largest investment management firms in the world, agreed to purchase the ports of Balboa and Cristóbal from the Hong Kong group that controlled them, located at the mouths of the Canal.
The New York magnate has repeatedly threatened to take control of the Canal, which he claims has been under the control of Chinese authorities despite being an American engineering project that was handed over to Panama by the Jimmy Carter administration in the seventies.
In his speech, he celebrated having Secretary of State Marco Rubio to carry out this task of regaining control of the Canal.
After wishing them good luck, they jokingly commented that "now we know who to blame if something goes wrong."
"United States is back"
With that phrase, Donald Trump kicked off his first speech before Congress since returning to the presidency of the United States on January 20.
Flanked by Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House, and Vice President J. D. Vance in his capacity as President of the Senate, Trump took advantage of the speech to outline the priorities of his administration and review what he considers the achievements of his government in the first six weeks in office.
"We have achieved more in 43 days than most administrations do in four or eight years, and we have only just begun," the leader proclaimed.
During the speech, he emphasized his government's crusade against irregular immigration, boasted about having eradicated the "toxic theory of race in schools," and established "that there are only two genders."
He also emphasized that "Mexico and Canada must do more" to curb the influx of fentanyl into their country, and promised "reciprocal" tariffs and tax cuts.
And he did so amidst the enthusiastic applause of the Republicans present in the session and the indifference and protests of the Democrats.
Frequently asked questions about Trump's intention to annex Greenland and reclaim the Panama Canal
Why does Donald Trump want to annex Greenland to the United States?
Trump has stated that the annexation of Greenland is important for national security reasons and to protect the free world. He has also pointed out that the island holds strategic significance due to its geographic location and its potential mineral and energy resources.
What has been Greenland's response to Trump's annexation proposal?
The Prime Minister of Greenland, Múte B. Egede, responded strongly to Trump's proposal, stating that Greenland "is not for sale" and that its future will be decided by the Greenlanders themselves. Egede emphasized that it is the Greenlanders who must determine their own fate and rejected any attempts to incorporate it into the United States.
What plans does Trump have for the Panama Canal?
Trump has expressed his intention to regain control of the Panama Canal, arguing that China has taken a dominant role in its management and that the canal is vital for the national security of the United States. He has stated that steps are already being taken to achieve this goal, such as the purchase of strategic ports by American companies.
How has Panama reacted to Trump's statements about the Panama Canal?
The President of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, firmly rejected Trump's assertions, stating that the Panama Canal is and will continue to be Panamanian. Mulino emphasized that Panama will defend its sovereignty and that any attempt to alter sovereignty over the canal has not been discussed with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio or any other U.S. official.
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