Greenland, Panama clap back at Trump over his address to Congress
Leaders from both Greenland and Panama issued strong messages on Wednesday rejecting the comments made by President Donald Trump during his address to Congress in which he reiterated his ambitions to acquire strategically important areas.
President Trump stated in his address that his administration had taken steps to “take back” the Panama Canal and expressed his desire to acquire Greenland, which is currently a territory of Denmark. He made it clear that he believes these acquisitions are crucial for international world security.
In response, Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede firmly stated that Greenland is not for sale and cannot be taken. He emphasized that the people of Greenland, known as Kalaallit, determine their own future and are neither interested in American nor Danish ownership. Egede’s message was clear – Greenland will not be swayed by any attempts to acquire or control their territory.
Regarding the Panama Canal, Trump claimed in his address that his administration would be reclaiming the waterway. He alleged that China had taken over the canal, citing a deal involving a Hong Kong-based company operating ports on either end of the canal. However, Panama has repeatedly rejected this claim, asserting that the canal remains under Panamanian control.
In response to Trump’s comments, Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino called out the President for spreading falsehoods. He denied that the canal was in the process of being restored or reclaimed, emphasizing that it is and will continue to be Panamanian. Mulino expressed his rejection of Trump’s statements and reaffirmed Panama’s sovereignty over the canal.
The tensions between the United States and both Greenland and Panama have been heightened by Trump’s statements, with leaders from both territories firmly rejecting any attempts to acquire or control their territories. It remains to be seen how these developments will impact diplomatic relations between the United States and these strategic regions.
