Trump's ambitious plans for Greenland, Panama Canal face resistance Republicans

Republican lawmakers are expressing mixed reactions to President-elect Donald Trump’s recent comments about U.S. territorial ambitions over Greenland and the Panama Canal.

The statements, made during the Christmas and New Year’s recess, have stirred confusion and concern among GOP senators and House members, with many dismissing them as unrealistic, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The idea of the United States taking over Greenland, a Danish territory, was particularly met with scepticism. Representative Michael McCaul (R-Texas), former chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, humorously dismissed the notion, stating, “I don’t think it’s for sale.” McCaul also expressed doubt over how Trump could legally acquire Greenland, questioning the feasibility of purchasing such territory.

While the prospect of reasserting U.S. control over the Panama Canal also seems far-fetched, some Republican lawmakers acknowledge the strategic importance of the waterway, especially with growing Chinese influence in Central and South America. Trump had floated the idea shortly before Christmas, raising concerns about the canal’s neutrality and the need for U.S. protection. However, lawmakers like McCaul do not foresee a path for regaining control, citing the geopolitical complexity of such a move.

Some Republicans, however, are taking Trump’s comments seriously. Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.), a staunch Trump ally, confirmed that the president-elect is serious about the idea of acquiring Greenland and the Panama Canal. Yet, he too admitted uncertainty about how Trump could convince Denmark and Panama to accept his vision.

The notion has sparked reactions abroad as well. In response to Trump’s comments, Denmark announced plans to bolster defence spending for Greenland by at least $1.5 billion. Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte Egede strongly rejected the idea, emphasizing the territory’s sovereignty and asserting that Greenland is “not for sale.” In Panama, concerns about Trump’s statements have surfaced, with some fearing the proposals could strain U.S. alliances in the region.

On Capitol Hill, senior Republicans such as Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) have downplayed Trump’s remarks, suggesting they were likely aspirational rather than serious policy proposals. Cornyn noted the U.S. history of territorial expansion, but stated that he had heard no real discussions beyond Trump’s social media posts.

While some Republicans speculate that Trump’s territorial ambitions might be a negotiating tactic, the remarks have raised alarm among Democrats. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) criticized the comments, calling them “deadly serious” but poorly timed. Coons warned that the U.S. should focus on building partnerships rather than creating unnecessary divisions with important allies like Denmark and Panama.

By Khagan Isayev