According to the New York Times, Donald Trump's latest statements do not stop at the slogan "America First" but also have a territorial expansionist nature, reminiscent of the expansionist period in American history.
Strategic Ambitions in Greenland
Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark with a strategic location in the Arctic and rich mineral resources, has long been of interest to the United States. In 2019, Mr. Trump offered to buy Greenland but was rejected. Now, he has emphasized that “ownership and control of Greenland is essential” to US national security.
The idea is not new. After World War II, President Harry Truman proposed buying Greenland to counter Soviet influence during the Cold War.
In the current context, the Arctic is becoming increasingly important commercially and militarily as melting ice opens up new shipping routes. In addition, Greenland possesses rare earth reserves essential for modern technology, a factor that is especially important in the competition with China.
However, Greenland leader Mute B. Egede flatly rejected the idea, asserting that “Greenland is ours and will never be for sale.” The Danish government, which is responsible for Greenland’s foreign policy, also remained silent on Mr. Trump’s statement.
Panama Canal: The Next Hot Spot
At the same time, Mr. Trump also called for the United States to regain control of the Panama Canal, which was returned to the Panamanian government under the Jimmy Carter-era agreement. He criticized the fees that Panama imposed on American ships as “a robbery” and warned that he would cancel the treaty if it was not adjusted.
Mr Trump has expressed concern that the Panama Canal could fall into the hands of China, the world’s second-largest user of the canal. While China does not directly control the canal, the operation of two nearby ports by a Hong Kong company has raised US concerns about Beijing’s growing influence in the region.
However, Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino has strongly asserted that “every square meter of the Panama Canal belongs to Panama and will remain so.”
“America First” is no longer isolationism
Mr. Trump's recent statements show that his approach to the slogan "America First" does not stop at prioritizing domestic interests but also has elements of expansion and reshaping international relations.
This thinking is reminiscent of the era of President Theodore Roosevelt, who pushed for American control of the Philippines and the construction of the Panama Canal after the Spanish-American War.
Marc Jacobsen, an Arctic security expert in Denmark, said that although Mr Trump's idea has faced strong opposition, Greenlanders could use the opportunity to increase US investment.
Similarly, Sherri Goodman, a former Pentagon official, stressed that the US has a strong interest in preventing China from expanding its influence in the Arctic.
