Donald Trump, the designated U.S. President, outlined ambitious plans during a press conference in Florida. He focused on foreign policy objectives, territorial claims, and proposals for defense spending. Trump’s announcements sparked widespread controversy and international reactions.
Territorial Ambitions: Greenland and Canada in Focus
Trump emphasized his desire for the U.S. to acquire Greenland from Denmark. He openly stated that military or economic pressure could be options to achieve this goal. When asked by a journalist whether he could rule out such measures, Trump firmly replied, “No.” He stressed that the U.S. might need to “do something” to secure its interests. Meanwhile, Trump’s son, Donald Jr., visited Greenland in what was officially described as a “private visit.” However, this trip highlighted the future administration’s interest in the region.
Trump also reignited his vision of annexing Canada as the 51st U.S. state. He claimed, without evidence, that many Canadians support the idea. On his platform, Truth Social, Trump reiterated that he would use “economic pressure” to pursue this goal. Canadian officials swiftly dismissed these statements. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau mocked the notion, saying it was less likely than “a snowball surviving in hell.” Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly reaffirmed Canada’s sovereignty, asserting that the country would never yield to threats.
Panama joined the chorus of objections. Trump suggested reclaiming control over the Panama Canal, which the U.S. managed until 1999. Panama’s Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha declared that the canal’s sovereignty was “non-negotiable” and emphasized its global trade mission. He argued that current tolls were fair and based on ship size and tonnage.
NATO Spending and Environmental Changes
Trump proposed that NATO members allocate at least 5% of their GDP to defense spending. He hinted that he might settle for 3.5% but did not confirm. His proposal drew sharp criticism in Europe. German SPD politician Ralf Stegner called it “madness,” arguing that the world needs fewer weapons, not more. Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, head of the European Parliament’s defense committee, warned against taking Trump’s statements too seriously, stating, “We’re not at a bazaar.”
Trump also announced plans to roll back environmental regulations. He pledged to lift restrictions on offshore oil drilling, which had been imposed for environmental reasons. Additionally, he vowed to halt new wind farm projects, claiming his administration would ensure no new turbines were erected. He criticized existing water conservation efforts, arguing that rainfall makes such measures unnecessary.
Investment in Data Centers and Controversial Start
Beyond geopolitical and environmental proposals, Trump announced $20 billion in investments for U.S. data centers. These funds, backed by Arab investors like Emirati billionaire Hussain Sajwani, aim to enhance artificial intelligence capabilities, which require significant computational power. Analysts project that spending on data centers could exceed $250 billion by 2030.
Trump’s far-reaching plans—spanning territorial claims, NATO goals, and environmental rollbacks—have drawn global criticism. While some praise his decisiveness, others view his proposals as destabilizing and unrealistic. These bold announcements set the tone for what promises to be a polarizing presidency.
