Understanding Trump’s Expansionist Threats

Foreign Policy Brief #174 | By: Ibrahim Castro | January 20, 2025

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Since his election victory, Donald Trump has made international headlines with a series of comments suggesting possible annexation and military action against neighbors and allies of the United States. Although the international rules based order established by the US at the end of World War II sought to end illegal land grabs and territorial annexations, President Trump has shown interest in returning to a time of territorial expansion. The countries caught in the crosshairs of Trump’s threats include Canada, Panama, Greenland, and Mexico.

As is often the case with Trump, his comments have sparked division. Some dismiss his suggestions as mere hyperbole, while others see them as a clear demonstration of his disregard for international norms. Leaders from Panama, Canada, Mexico, and Denmark have publicly rejected the notions of ceding territory or allowing military intervention in their territories.

Trump’s threats include using military force to seize control of the Panama Canal and Greenland, incorporating Canada as the 51st state of the U.S., and deploying American troops to Mexico to combat drug cartels. Below is a closer examination of these threats and the relationships between the US and the targeted countries.

Panama

President Trump has threatened to use the US military to take control of the Panama Canal. The canal, constructed between 1904 and 1914, was funded and organized by the US, which controlled a six-mile zone on either side until 1999. The canal’s transfer to Panama followed a 1978 agreement brokered by President Jimmy Carter.

The construction of the canal involved the labor of roughly 150,000 workers, many of whom were of African descent from the Caribbean. Most came from Jamaica and Barbados, but others hailed from islands such as St. Lucia and Grenada.

Trump’s grievances appear to stem from what he called “ridiculous” fees charged to U.S. vessels. In reality, these fees are calculated based on vessel type, size, and cargo, and have increased for all international ships due to a severe drought in Panama beginning in late 2022. By early 2024, the drought was described as the worst in the canal’s history, leading to bottlenecks and reduced vessel transits to conserve water. Far from the “Chinese-controlled conspiracy” Trump alleges, the increased fees reflect logistical challenges rather than actions against the US.

Greenland

Trump has repeatedly claimed that the US should acquire Greenland, describing the move as “absolutely necessary for national security and global freedom.” Although geographically part of North America, Greenland is politically linked to Europe, as a territory of Denmark.

European leaders, including those in Denmark, have expressed their dismay at Trump’s remarks, emphasizing that annexing an ally’s territory by force would violate international law. The US has maintained a presence in Greenland for decades; in 1946 President Harry Truman offered to purchase the island for $100 million, a proposal Denmark rejected. Years later though a deal was made to allow the US military to retain permanent installations there.

Notably, Moscow has used Trump’s rhetoric to justify its own actions in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov pointed to Trump’s comments as a precedent, suggesting that Greenland’s population should decide its own fate over joining the US— citing the widely discredited referendums held in Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine as an example of self determination for territory sought after by another state.

Canada

Trump has suggested using “economic force” to pressure Canada into becoming the 51st state of the US. After only recently meeting with the now outgoing Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, at Mar-a-Lago, Trump has mocked Trudeau by referring to him as “Governor Trudeau”. Trudeau, who recently announced his resignation as Prime Minister, responded via X , saying, “There isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States.”

Trump has also floated the idea of imposing 25% tariffs on Canadian goods to force compliance, a move that drew widespread criticism from Canadian leaders and citizens alike. Such economic threats have only served to deepen the rift between the two neighbors.

Mexico

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Mexico remains a frequent target of Trump’s antagonism. From his initial campaign remarks labeling Mexican immigrants as criminals and rapists to his promise to build a southern border wall, Trump’s rhetoric has consistently strained relations with the US’ southern neighbor.

Recently, Trump proposed designating Mexican cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and threatened military intervention to combat them. While such a designation would not authorize military action, it raises fears of escalating tensions. Trump has also suggested bombing drug labs and deploying special forces to eliminate cartel leaders.

Trump has also proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America,” calling the idea “beautiful”. Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, rebuked Trump’s threats, promising retaliatory measures against any trade war tactics. She also countered Trump’s naming proposal by suggesting that North America be renamed “América Mexicana” or Mexican America.

Conclusion

Trump’s expansionist rhetoric has caused an uproar in the international community. If any of these threats were acted upon, they could destabilize the already fragile international rules based order. Such actions would also set dangerous precedents, undermining global norms against territorial annexation.

Ironically, the isolationist, anti-immigrant, “America First” president and his supporters now entertain ideas of expansion that would bring more diverse populations, more people of varied backgrounds, races, and beliefs within the United States. This contradiction exemplifies the arrogance and hypocrisy of far-right nationalism, which seeks to deport millions to keep the country pure, while simultaneously laying claim to foreign lands and their people. 

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