Greenland and the Panama Canal aren't for sale. Why is Trump threatening to take them?

Recently, Donald Trump, the former president of the United States, has made some bold statements regarding Greenland and the Panama Canal. During a conference in Arizona, he expressed his belief that the ownership of Greenland is crucial for national security and global freedom. Trump has a history of wanting to acquire Greenland, which is a territory of Denmark, and he reiterated this desire, stating that the US 'feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity. ' Greenland is rich in natural resources, including rare earth minerals and oil, and it holds a strategic position in the Arctic Circle, which is becoming increasingly important as global powers seek to expand their influence in the region. The prime minister of Greenland, Múte B Egede, firmly responded to Trump's comments by stating, 'We are not for sale and we will not be for sale. ' In addition to Greenland, Trump has also made remarks about the Panama Canal, claiming that the fees charged to US ships are 'ridiculous' and 'highly unfair. ' He suggested that if Panama does not lower these fees, he would demand that the canal be returned to the US. This is significant because the US handed over control of the canal to Panama in the 1970s through a treaty. Experts have pointed out that controlling the canal is vital for US trade, especially in the Pacific, and it would be necessary for moving US military assets in the event of a conflict with China. China is the second-largest user of the Panama Canal, and it has significant investments in Panama, which adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Trump's comments have raised questions about his approach to foreign policy as he prepares for his second term. He has often criticized trade partners for what he perceives as unfair treatment of the US, and his statements about the Panama Canal seem to reflect his views on trade. While some experts believe that his remarks may be coercive, it remains to be seen whether the authorities in Panama will respond to his threats by lowering fees for US cargo. Meanwhile, the president of Panama has made it clear that the canal and its surrounding areas belong to Panama and will remain under their control. As Trump continues to emphasize his views on these territories, he has also shared images on social media that depict the US asserting its control over the Panama Canal and Greenland. His son, Eric Trump, even posted a humorous image suggesting that the US is adding these territories to an online shopping cart. As Trump moves forward, it will be interesting to see how his administration navigates these complex issues and whether he will continue to push for control over Greenland and the Panama Canal.