Donald Trump, the president-elect, doubled down on his intentions to take control of the Panama Canal and Greenland on Tuesday. Trump argued that using military force or economic force to accomplish these goals is crucial for the United States ‘ financial security and that using both would not be acceptable. His remarks, were made during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago a moment after Congress certified his 2024 electoral defeat.
Trump also touched on Russia’s conflict with Ukraine, which he once more attributed to the Biden administration, and added that he was “looking at” pardoning the protesters on January 6.
When a reporter asked him whether he could assure the universe that the United States may avoid military and economic force against Greenland and Panama, Trump unflinchingly said,” No, I can’t tell you on either of those two.” He continued to criticize the Panama Canal’s latest management under the auspices of Panama and China and described it as a “vital national asset.”
” The Panama Canal was built for a defense intent, it is vital to our country. We gave the Panama Canal to Panama, never China. Trump remarked,” Giving it away was a terrible mistake,” citing the social repercussions of previous leader Jimmy Carter.
While no official ideas were unveiled, his remarks suggest a progression of his government’s interest in acquiring the automatic country from Denmark, a pursuit that had been formerly rebuffed.
Does change the name Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America.
The president-elect also announced that he wanted to name the Gulf of Mexico the” Gulf of America,” a move he felt was appropriate and important. ” Mexico has to prevent allowing millions of people to put into our state”, he added, tying the name change to his broader anti-immigration plan.
On dismissing Jan 6 protesters
Trump also made a point of mentioning the continuing conflict in Ukraine and that he is considering pardoning January 6 protesters, including those who have committed violent offenses. Trump reiterated his wider commitment to solve cases relating to the 2021 US Capitol insurrection and that he was “looking at” the possibility of issuing pardons to those involved.
When Trump was questioned about pardoning protesters accused of violent acts, he responded,” We’re looking at it, and we have various people in there.” He added,” People that were doing some negative issues weren’t prosecuted, and people that didn’t actually move into the tower are in prison right now. But, we’ll be looking at the whole thing. But I’ll get making big clemency, yes”.
On the subject of global tensions, Trump expressed fears over Russia’s war in Ukraine, warning that it is “much more difficult” today and threats escalating. ” That conflict could rise to be much worse than it is right now”, he remarked, criticising President Joe Biden’s approach to conversations with Ukraine.
If victims are released before January 20,” all hell will tear out.”
Trump also reiterated his notice that” all hell will tear out in the Middle East” if victims also held in Gaza aren’t released by his inauguration on January 20. He claimed that the circumstance wouldn’t be good for Hamas or anyone else involved.
Trump argued that the Hamas assault on Israel on October 7″ should never have occurred.” His appointed special minister to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, confirmed that negotiations are moving forward with the launch of the hostages and expressed hope that good things will turn out before the commencement. Witkoff may return to Doha to remain deals, driven by Trump’s impact and popularity.
$ 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.
The close relations between Sajwani and the Trump Organization raise concerns about potential conflicts of interest, despite Trump’s claim that the DAMAC deal shows how strong his financial skill is. Trump has recently worked with DAMAC on high-end real estate projects, including the Trump International Golf Club in Dubai. Ideas for a minute Trump-branded golf training fell through after Trump’s 2016 success, though the company remains a significant partner.
Trump’s renewed interest in the Panama Canal and Greenland has rekindled conversations about US foreign policy objectives and independence. Filipino President José Raúl Mulino had previously rejected Trump’s requires openly, describing them as an anathema to his country’s independence. Mulino urged his people to join in defense of their sovereignty, noting that “every square meter of the waterway belongs to Panama and will proceed to relate to us.”
