Trump sparks international tension with remarks on allies
Brutal and Trumpian, but setting the stage for future negotiations—this is how Americanist Andrzej Kohut comments on Donald Trump's recent statements. Although the politician has not yet assumed the office of president, he has already managed to offend or unsettle politicians in Canada, Panama, and especially Greenland.
Donald Trump commented on Justin Trudeau's resignation as prime minister by suggesting that many Canadians wish for Canada to become the 51st state of the USA. He further expressed enthusiasm about the idea of a unified Canada and the USA, describing it as a potential "great nation."
Trump claimed in a social media post that Greenlanders are supporters of his "Make America Great Again" campaign. He mentioned that his son, Don Junior, along with other representatives, would visit the region, describing Greenland as an incredible place whose people would significantly benefit if it became part of the United States.
The post appeared alongside a video clip in which a person can be heard saying that if they could say anything to Trump, they would tell him to "buy Greenland." The island's prime minister, Mute Egede, responded to these suggestions, stating that the territory "is not for sale and will never be for sale."
A storm over Trump: Not yet in power, and already offending several countries
These are examples of statements by the president-elect that are causing controversy. Americanist Andrzej Kohut explains that Donald Trump has a distinctive style of communicating some of his ideas.
"These sensational, even bombastic statements, are characteristic of him. But looking realistically at what might happen, no one in his administration seriously thinks about buying Greenland or annexing Canada," says Americanist Andrzej Kohut. Recently, in a text published, he predicted that by 2025, the media would need experts in 'trumpology' to explain the true intentions of the American president. Kohut points out that behind the sensational proposals lie rational premises suggested to the president-elect by his advisors.
It should be noted that the American space forces have a base, Peterson & Schriever Space Force Base, in Greenland. Moreover, as the interlocutor explains, due to climate change, a new trade route may be established through the Arctic in the future.
"However, Greenland is becoming a field of Chinese expansion. I think Trump's statements aim to emphasise that the island is an important area of American influence. This is related to crucial security and trade issues for Washington," assesses the United States politics expert.
Donald Trump Jr., the son of the US president-elect, visited Greenland on Tuesday. He is meeting with local politicians advocating for the island's independence. Commentators have deemed the visit an "embarrassment for the Danish government."
Greenland is an autonomous territory dependent on Denmark, but in relations between the countries, there is an internal discussion where Greenlandic politicians are increasingly signalling their desire for independence. "Perhaps there is a certain calculation by Trump that this independence could function under the American umbrella," notes Kohut.
canada and USA united: "what a great nation that would be!"
The Americanist also addressed the Canadian aspect of Trump's statements. "If Canada united with the USA, there would be no tariffs, taxes would drop significantly, and Canada would be completely safe from the threat posed by Russian and Chinese ships that constantly surround it," suggested the American politician.
"The context for which the politician suggests the annexation of Canada is important. The aim may be to renegotiate trade agreements and border security issues. Clearly, Trump is testing his partners on the American continent. He earlier signalled that tariffs on products from Mexico and Canada could rise by 25 per cent. Brutal and in Trumpian style, but this is setting the stage for future negotiations," assesses Andrzej Kohut.
In recent weeks, Trump has suggested that his new administration could take control of the Panama Canal. The President of Panama, Jose Raul Mulino, rejected this idea, responding with a video posted on social media.
"Sovereignty and independence of our country are non-negotiable," he stated emphatically in the video. According to experts, Trump's proposal resulted from American companies striving to obtain better rates for the transit of goods through the canal.
Trump will assume office in the USA on 20 January.
