Fact Check: Trump threatens to seize Greenland and the Panama Canal by military force.

Fact Check: "Trump threatens to seize Greenland and the Panama Canal by military force."

What We Know

In a recent news conference held at Mar-a-Lago, President-elect Donald Trump made statements regarding the potential acquisition of Greenland and the Panama Canal, asserting that both territories are vital to American national security. When asked if he would rule out the use of military force to secure these areas, Trump responded, "No, I can't assure you on either of those two," indicating that he did not dismiss the possibility of military action (AP News, BBC). He emphasized the importance of these locations for economic security and national defense, particularly in the context of perceived threats from China and Russia in the Arctic region (NY Times, Reuters).

Trump's comments come in the wake of a visit by his son, Donald Trump Jr., to Greenland, which was characterized as a "personal day trip" without official meetings (BBC). Both Denmark and Panama have firmly rejected any notion of relinquishing control over these territories, with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stating, "Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders," and Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha asserting that the sovereignty of the Panama Canal is "not negotiable" (AP News, ABC News).

Analysis

The claim that Trump threatened to use military force to seize Greenland and the Panama Canal is substantiated by multiple reputable sources. Trump's statements during the press conference clearly indicate that he did not rule out military action, which marks a significant deviation from the long-standing U.S. policy of respecting the sovereignty of other nations (AP News, Reuters).

The sources reporting on this event, including the Associated Press, BBC, and New York Times, are generally considered reliable and have a history of accurate reporting. They provide detailed accounts of Trump's remarks and the geopolitical context surrounding them. However, it is essential to note that Trump's statements have often been met with skepticism and criticism, particularly regarding their feasibility and legality. The responses from Danish and Panamanian officials further highlight the international consensus against any form of coercive acquisition of territory (BBC, ABC News).

Conclusion

The claim that Trump threatened to seize Greenland and the Panama Canal by military force is True. His statements during the news conference explicitly indicate that he did not rule out military action to secure these territories, which he described as critical to U.S. national security. The context of his remarks, coupled with the responses from the affected nations, reinforces the seriousness of his assertions.

Fact Check: Trump threatens to seize Greenland and the Panama Canal by military force.