In his first address to Congress during his second term, President Trump announced plans to expand America’s territorial reach by reclaiming the Panama Canal, acquiring Greenland and advancing space exploration to Mars and beyond. Mr. Trump framed these ambitions as part of an “America First” agenda and the beginning of a “golden age.”
Regarding the Panama Canal, Mr. Trump declared, “We didn’t give it to China; we gave it to Panama. And we’re taking it back.” His comments coincided with a $23 billion deal by BlackRock-led investors to acquire ports at either end of the canal from a Hong Kong-based company, removing them from Chinese control. This addresses national security concerns about China’s influence over the canal, through which approximately 70% of cargo passes to or from U.S. ports.
The United States originally built the Panama Canal, completing it in 1914, before transferring control to Panama following a 1977 agreement signed by President Carter.
Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino rejected Mr. Trump’s claims, stating, “I reject in the name of Panama and all Panamanians this new affront to the truth and our dignity as a nation.”
Mr. Trump also expressed determination to acquire Greenland “one way or another,” citing its natural resources and strategic importance to U.S. national security. He promised Greenland’s 57,000 residents: “We will keep you safe. We will make you rich. And together, we will take Greenland to heights like you have never thought possible before.” However, Greenland Prime Minister Mute Bourup Egede dismissed these ambitions, stating, “We don’t want to be Americans.”
Additionally, Mr. Trump pledged that the U.S. would “lead humanity into space and plant the American flag on the planet Mars, and even far beyond,” receiving a standing ovation from Republicans in Congress.
While Mr. Trump has previously suggested making Canada the 51st state and mockingly referred to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as “governor,” he did not mention this plan during his address.
Critics, including retired Gen. Barry McCaffrey, questioned Mr. Trump’s expansionist agenda, asking, “Are we a criminal predator nation?” Meanwhile, Doug Bandow of the Cato Institute noted that these plans conflict with Mr. Trump’s campaign focus on the economy, immigration and reducing government size.
Despite criticisms, a CBS/YouGov poll of a heavily Republican sample showed that 76% of viewers approved of the speech.
This article is written with the assistance of generative artificial intelligence based solely on Washington Times original reporting and wire services. For more information, please read our AI policy or contact Ann Wog, Managing Editor for Digital, at awog@washingtontimes.com
The Washington Times AI Ethics Newsroom Committee can be reached at aispotlight@washingtontimes.com.
