On January 10, 2025, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump made a series of expansionist remarks regarding territories in North America, causing international backlash. His statements included proposals to rename the Gulf of Mexico, assert control over Greenland, and retake the Panama Canal.
During a press conference, Trump suggested renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the 'Gulf of America,' claiming that the U.S. does 'most of the work there.' This assertion was met with firm rejection from Mexican officials, including Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard, who stated, 'the Gulf of Mexico will still be called the Gulf of Mexico.' Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum humorously proposed renaming North America to 'America Mexicana' in response.
Trump's interest in Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark, has been longstanding. He previously attempted to purchase the island in 2019, a proposal that was dismissed by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. Recently, Trump threatened military or economic actions to acquire Greenland, asserting its importance for national security. However, Frederiksen reiterated that Greenland is 'not for sale.'
European leaders have expressed concern over Trump's comments. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the importance of respecting international borders, while France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot warned against a resurgence of aggressive territorial claims. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store condemned any suggestion of military force against allies.
In addition to Greenland, Trump mentioned the Panama Canal, which returned to Panamanian control in 1999. He suggested that if Panama does not lower toll rates for U.S. ships, the U.S. might consider reclaiming control. Panamanian officials have firmly rejected these claims, asserting that the canal belongs to Panama.
Furthermore, Trump raised the idea of making Canada the '51st state,' proposing economic pressure to achieve this goal. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau dismissed these suggestions as distractions from tariff discussions, affirming Canada's sovereignty.
As Trump's administration begins, these remarks may have significant implications for U.S. relations with its neighbors and allies, highlighting tensions over territorial sovereignty in the global arena.