Recent comments from Donald Trump have ignited international controversy, as he did not rule out the use of military or economic coercion to take control of Greenland or the Panama Canal.

The remarks, made Tuesday during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, drew immediate reactions from world leaders and heightened diplomatic tensions just two weeks before he assumes the presidency. 

When asked by a reporter whether he could guarantee that he would not use military force or economic coercion, Trump replied simply, “No.” On the question of a strategy for taking control of these territories, he said, “I can’t guarantee that. We’re talking about Panama and Greenland… I can say this: we need them for economic security.”

🚨 Q: Can you assure the world that as you try to get control of these areas [Greenland or Panama] you are not gonna use military or economic coercion?

TRUMP: No. I can't assure you. I'm not going to commit to that. It might be that you'll have to do something. pic.twitter.com/vJSYLVfJnW

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) January 7, 2025

These statements were widely interpreted as a direct threat to the sovereignty of the territories, prompting rejection from multiple countries. 

Donald Trump’s position has highlighted the importance of respecting sovereignty and international diplomacy in Europe and Latin America, as the world watches the U.S. power transition and anticipates the challenges this aggressive approach could create. 

Reaction of Denmark and Panama

Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, emphasized that Greenland is not for sale and that its future should be decided solely by its people.

“From the Danish government’s perspective, Greenland belongs to the Greenlandic people… only they can decide and define its future,” Frederiksen said, reaffirming respect for the autonomy established in 1979 and highlighting the strategic alliance between Denmark and the United States. 

The Panama Canal, a critical global trade route, was also referenced in Donald Trump’s remarks, prompting objections from the Panamanian government and raising international concerns over regional security and stability. 

These tensions come amid Trump’s broader geopolitical ambitions, which include suggesting that Canada should become part of the United States and proposing renaming the Gulf of Mexico. 

Historically, Greenland has enjoyed broad autonomy since 1979, controlling areas such as education, health, fisheries, and the environment, with citizens able to decide on independence through referendums.