President Trump has suggested the United States may expand its territorial holdings.
President Trump recently told supporters that the US might acquire additional territories. He has previously voiced interest in annexing Greenland, Canada, and the Panama Canal.
During a Las Vegas speech, Trump stated, “We might be an enlarged country pretty soon,” contrasting this with the unchanging size of the US for decades, even suggesting it may have shrunk. He indicated this change could occur soon.
“Trump: We may be a very substantially enlarged country in the not too distant— Isn’t it nice to see — for years, decades, we’re the same size to the square-foot, probably got smaller actually but we might be an enlarged country pretty soon.
— Acyn (@Acyn)
According to the Financial Times, citing European officials, Trump forcefully urged Denmark to relinquish control of Greenland during a phone call with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, leaving Danish officials “utterly freaked out.”
Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory, has a population of around 60,000 and hosts a US military base (Pituffik). Greenland’s pro-independence leaders and Danish officials have firmly rejected Trump’s offer to purchase Greenland, although Frederiksen reportedly proposed increased US military presence and deeper cooperation on mineral extraction. The Financial Times described Trump’s approach during the call as aggressive and confrontational.
Trump initially proposed buying Greenland in 2019, facing rejection from both Greenland and Denmark. Last month, he declared that “ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity” for US national security.
Beyond Greenland, Trump has also mentioned reclaiming the Panama Canal, managed by the US until 1999, citing concerns about China’s growing influence. Panamanian President Jose Mulino has vowed to resist any takeover, denying foreign control of the canal.
Trump has repeatedly advocated for Canada’s admission as the 51st US state, offering tax incentives and other benefits. He has criticized Canada’s trade practices and threatened tariffs on Canadian goods.
In early January, Trump refused to rule out military action against Greenland and Panama, citing “economic security” needs. He stated he would only employ “economic force” against Canada.