In a controversial press conference at Mar-a-Lago on Tuesday, President-elect Donald Trump, 78, floated plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America" and declined to rule out
military intervention in the Panama Canal and Greenland.
During the 72-minute press event, Trump criticized Canada, expressed disdain for President Joe Biden’s climate policies, and delivered a scathing attack on Special Counsel Jack Smith, referring to him as a "nutjob" and demanding an end to all ongoing investigations against him.
On the Panama Canal and Greenland
When asked if he would commit to not using military or economic coercion to seize control of the Panama Canal and Greenland, Trump responded, "I’m not going to commit to that. It might be necessary. The Panama Canal is vital to our country." He also claimed that Greenland is crucial for U.S. national security.
Trump has repeatedly complained that China now plays a significant role in operating the canal. He criticized former President Jimmy Carter for the 1977 agreement that led to Panama regaining full control of the canal in 1999, calling it "a terrible deal."
"It cost us 38,000 lives and the equivalent of $1 trillion. Giving it away was a colossal mistake," Trump said. He added that this decision contributed to Carter’s election loss in 1980.
Greenland and Denmark
Trump also reiterated his interest in acquiring Greenland, a Danish autonomous territory, and suggested that Denmark may not have legitimate ownership. He threatened economic tariffs if Denmark refused to negotiate and speculated that the people of Greenland might vote to join the United States.
Denmark had previously rejected a similar proposal during Trump’s first term, and the Danish government has consistently reaffirmed its intention to retain Greenland.
Criticism of Biden's policies
The president-elect took aim at Biden’s environmental policies, specifically targeting the recent ban on offshore drilling in large portions of federal waters. Trump vowed to reverse the policy on his first day in office and, if necessary, challenge it in court.
"Biden has locked down 625 million acres of federal waters. We’re going to undo that. Day one," he promised.
Renaming the Gulf of Mexico
One of Trump’s more unconventional proposals was to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America." He described the new name as "appropriate" and "beautiful," suggesting it would symbolize U.S. strength and unity.
Comments on Canada and Trudeau
Trump ruled out military action against Canada but hinted at using "economic leverage" to pressure the country into closer alignment with the U.S. He also revealed he had encouraged former hockey star Wayne Gretzky to run for prime minister following Justin Trudeau’s resignation.
In response, Trudeau posted on social media, "There isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States."
Other notable remarks
Trump’s press conference touched on an array of topics, including his opposition to electric heaters, complaints about water pressure regulations, and his longstanding disdain for wind turbines. He claimed windmills were causing harm to whales off the Massachusetts coast, citing an increase in whale strandings.
"If those hostages in the Middle East aren’t back by the time I take office, all hell will break loose," he warned, referring to Americans being held by Hamas.