The elected president Donald Trump opened the new year like a tornado, shaking up American domestic and foreign policy with a explosive press conference from his Mar-a-Lago resort. Amid threats of military intervention, economic challenges and territorial ambitions, Trump has launched a series of proclamations intended to reignite global tensions, touching geopolitical nodes from the Middle East to the Arctic, passing through Panama and Canada.
In bellicose tones, he evoked the possibility of “regain control of the Panama Canal” using military force, and to force Denmark to cede Greenland, calling it “necessary for national security”. And then, a warning which sounds like a lit fuse: “Free the hostages or I will unleash hell”, addressed directly to Hamas.
No one escapes the Tycoon's barrage of accusations and provocations: first points the finger at NATO allies, criticizing them for having underestimated the weight of the American contribution and putting forward the idea of raising defense spending to 5% of GDP. Then provoke Mexico with the idea of renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America,” a clear signal of his intent to rewrite geopolitical borders with the force of words and deeds.
Trump raises the stakes, flexes his muscles and promises a new “golden age”His vision is of an America that returns to being the undisputed ruler, through the reconquest of strategic territories and an aggressive stance on the international chessboard.
The Panama Question: “A Big Mistake to Return the Canal”
Trump has defined “Historic Mistake”: Return of the Panama Canal to local sovereignty. According to him, the control of the Canal, now operated by China, is crucial for the economic and military security of the United States: "It was built for us, and it is vital for our country.” He threatened economic duties and, in a veiled way, theuse of military force to regain control of the strategic road.
For his part, the President of Panama, Jose Raul Mulino, opted for a cautious attitude, promising to respond only after Trump's official inauguration.
Greenland: a territory of strategic interest
Trump reiterated his interest in purchasing Greenland, already the subject of a purchase proposal in the first mandate, defining it essential to national security. “I might have to do something in the future,” he hinted, without ruling out more drastic actions such as military use.
Denmark's response was not long in coming: the Prime Minister Puts Frederiksen He declared that Greenland “is not for sale” and “belongs to the Greenlanders”. King Frederik He even updated the royal coat of arms to include symbols of Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
Message to Hamas: “Free the hostages or I will unleash hell”
Trump also has addressed an ultimatum to Hamas: “If the hostages are not released by January 20, all hell will break loose in the Middle East. It will not be good for Hamas or for anyone.”
The future envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, added that negotiations are progressing, hoping to announce an agreement before the inauguration. Witkoff reiterated that the negotiations are inspired by the president-elect's "reputation," expressing confidence in a positive outcome.
Canada: A New 51st State?
Addressing Canada, Trump has criticized the trade deficit and American support for the country, provoking: “They should be one of our states.” While ruling out the use of military force, Trump has threatened to impose tariffs and suggested that abolishing the artificial border would improve national security.
The Canadian response was immediate and decisive. The Foreign Minister, Melanie Jolly, said: "We will never give in to threats. These comments demonstrate a complete lack of understanding of what makes Canada a great country." Harsh words also from Resigning Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: “Canada will never, ever be part of the United States.”
NATO and defense spending: “You pay 5% of GDP”
Trump reiterated his call to NATO allies to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP: “If they don’t pay, they will lose the American umbrella. That’s not how life works.”
Asked about the war in Ukraine, Trump revealed that the Russian president Vladimir Putin wants a meeting, but ruled out official contact before January 20.
The Gulf of Mexico Becomes the “Gulf of America”
The tycoon then wanted to launch a warning to Mexico, this time not only on the immigration front. “I will change the name of the Gulf, I will call it Gulf of America. How good that sounds!” he said.
Biden Criticisms and New Investments
They were not lacking criticism of outgoing President Joe Biden, accused of being responsible for wars, harmful environmental policies and an “obsession” with electric cars. Trump then also announced an investment from $20 Billion in US Data Centers, a project led by the Emirati billionaire Hussain Sajwani.
