Donald Trump, the incoming U.S. President, unveiled ambitious plans during a press conference in Florida. His proposals, which include significant territorial ambitions, such as acquiring Greenland and Canada, as well as NATO reforms and environmental policy changes, have sparked intense debate and criticism worldwide.
Expanding U.S. Territory: Greenland, Canada, and the Panama Canal
Trump declared his desire to acquire Greenland from Denmark, leaving the possibility of using economic or military pressure open. When asked if he would rule out such measures, Trump replied with a firm “No.” A recent visit by his son Donald Jr. to Greenland, officially private, further highlighted the administration’s interest in the region.
Trump also called for Canada to become the 51st U.S. state, asserting without evidence that many Canadians favor the idea. On his platform Truth Social, he mentioned economic pressure as a potential strategy. Canadian leaders strongly rejected these claims. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau dismissed the idea as unrealistic, while Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly affirmed Canada’s sovereignty and refusal to yield to threats.
Additionally, Trump expressed interest in reclaiming control over the Panama Canal, previously managed by the U.S. until 1999. Panama’s Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha firmly stated that the canal’s sovereignty is non-negotiable. He emphasized the canal’s role in global trade and the fairness of its toll system.
NATO Contributions and Environmental Reforms
Trump proposed that NATO members increase their defense spending to 5% of GDP, exceeding the current 2% target. He suggested he might accept 3.5% as a compromise but did not formalize this figure. European leaders condemned the proposal. German politician Ralf Stegner called it “nonsensical,” while Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann of the European Parliament urged caution, advising against overanalyzing Trump’s remarks.
In environmental policy, Trump vowed to lift restrictions on offshore oil drilling, reversing measures implemented for ecological protection. He also pledged to stop the construction of new wind farms, stating that his administration would prevent further turbine projects. Furthermore, he criticized water conservation policies, claiming they are unnecessary due to natural rainfall.
Economic Ambitions and International Reactions
Trump announced a $20 billion investment in U.S. data centers, funded by Arab investors, including Emirati billionaire Hussain Sajwani. These funds aim to strengthen artificial intelligence capabilities, which require extensive computing power. Analysts predict that spending on data centers could surpass $250 billion by 2030.
Trump’s sweeping plans, from territorial expansions to NATO reforms and environmental deregulations, have sparked mixed reactions. Supporters see bold leadership, while critics warn of potential instability. His proposals mark the beginning of a presidency set to reshape U.S. domestic and international policies profoundly.