Donald Trump has made his most forceful attempt yet to take control of Canada. He has offered the Canadian people a 60 percent tax cut if they agree to join the country and become the 51st state.
Recently, Trump has been suggesting that America should expand to include Canada, Greenland, and Panama. He has even mocked Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau by calling him “governor,” implying that Trudeau would no longer be the leader of Canada if it were to join.
On Christmas, Trump took his criticism of both Panama and Canada’s governments to a new level.
“Merry Christmas to all, including to the wonderful soldiers of China, who are lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal (where we lost 38,000 people in its building 110 years ago), always making sure that America puts in billions of dollars in ‘repair’ money, but will have absolutely nothing to say about ‘anything,’” Trump wrote on Truth Social. This comment highlights his frustration with China’s involvement in the Panama Canal, which has been a key trade route for over a century.
Trump also made an offer to Canada, saying, “To Governor Justin Trudeau of Canada, whose citizens’ taxes are far too high, but if Canada was to become our 51st state, their taxes would be cut by more than 60%, their businesses would immediately double in size, and they would be militarily protected like no other country anywhere in the world.”
Trump claimed that Canadian businesses would grow rapidly, benefiting from America’s economic system, and that Canada would be under its military protection, ensuring their safety from any threats.
He didn’t stop with Canada. Trump addressed Greenland too, writing, “Likewise, to the people of Greenland, which is needed by America for national security purposes and, who want us to be there, and we will!” Trump has long shown interest in acquiring Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, for its strategic value, and continues to push for control.
Recently, Trump posted on social media, stating, “Canadians want Canada to become the 51st state.” He even shared an image of himself standing on a mountaintop, next to a Canadian flag, surveying the territory he hoped would join. His message was clear: he believed many Canadians would be open to the idea if it meant lower taxes and economic growth.
Prime Minister Trudeau has dismissed Trump’s idea of taking over Canada as a joke. However, the two leaders met recently at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Florida to discuss Trump’s threat to impose a 25 percent tariff on all Canadian goods, which has sparked tensions between the two countries.
Canada’s Public Safety Minister, Dominic LeBlanc, attended the dinner at Mar-a-Lago and was asked about Trump’s comments. LeBlanc made it clear that he believed Trump’s remarks were not serious. “The president was telling jokes. The president was teasing us. It was, of course, on that issue, in no way a serious comment,” LeBlanc said.
While Trudeau and his government have brushed off Trump’s comments, the tone of his remarks has become more serious over time. On Sunday night, Trump made another bold statement, this time focusing on Greenland. He announced his pick for ambassador to Denmark, PayPal co-founder Ken Howery, and wrote on social media, “For purposes of national security and freedom throughout the world, America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity.” This statement highlights Trump’s ongoing interest in Greenland, an area rich in natural resources and strategically important for military and shipping purposes.
Trump had previously shown interest in purchasing Greenland during his first term, but Danish authorities rejected his offer. The Danish government made it clear that Greenland was not for sale. The Danish Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement saying that the country was looking forward to working with the new American ambassador but stressed that Greenland would not be sold. They also emphasized the importance of transatlantic cooperation, especially in light of the current global security challenges. “In a complex security political situation as the one we currently experience, transatlantic cooperation is crucial,” the statement said.
Despite the Danish government’s firm rejection, Trump remains insistent. He continues to suggest that Greenland’s strategic importance to America makes it a key target for control. Trump has even hinted that the U.S. might consider retaking the Panama Canal if shipping costs continue to rise, a proposal that has added another layer of tension between America and Panama.
Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino responded to Trump’s comments with a video, stating, “Every square meter of the canal belongs to Panama and will continue to.” This was a clear defense of Panama’s sovereignty over the canal, which has been a vital trade route for over a century. Trump, however, was not backing down. On social media, he responded with a simple but bold message: “We’ll see about that!” His comments suggest that he might still have plans to challenge Panama’s control over the canal in the future.
As Trump continues to push for territorial expansion, including offering tax cuts to Canada and discussing Greenland and the Panama Canal, it remains unclear how seriously these proposals should be taken. However, Trump’s willingness to make such bold offers shows his ongoing interest in reshaping relations with his neighboring countries and expanding American influence globally.
