Analysts suggest President-elect Donald Trump’s overt interest in taking control of Greenland and the Panama Canal stems from concerns about China and Russia. The crux of the matter is securing geopolitical dominance to counter the expansion of these nations, which threaten U.S. security and economic interests.
USA Today reported on Thursday, citing two former national security advisors from Trump’s first administration, that Trump has consistently expressed interest in Greenland, a remote northern island, and the Panama Canal, which connects the coasts of Central America, as part of his preparations for office.
During a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Tuesday, Trump declared that he would not rule out military or economic coercion to take control of the Panama Canal and Greenland, an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark.
He explained that these areas are crucial for economic stability and security, emphasizing the importance of protecting the free world.
From shipping routes to resources: The strategic importance of Greenland
John Bolton, who served as national security advisor during Trump’s first term and handled the Greenland issue, told USA Today that American political leaders have been interested in governing this island for over a century, indicating that Trump’s remarks are not unprecedented.
He suggested that understanding Trump’s interest in Greenland requires examining a world map from an Arctic perspective.
He noted that four NATO nations—the U.S., Canada, Denmark, and Norway—and Russia hold territorial rights over half of the Arctic Circle.
Although the U.S. already has a military base in Greenland, complete control of the island would allow Washington to protect its interests from Russian and, more recently, Chinese expansion.
Ironically, the climate crisis has made Greenland significant for U.S. security and economic interests. According to Bolton, the Northwest Passage—a shorter maritime route connecting North America, Europe, and Asia—has become a reality as Arctic ice melts.
He emphasized the importance of determining who can defend the Arctic region, so China is interested in the Northwest Passage as part of its rise to global power.
Bolton highlighted the resources buried beneath Greenland and the Arctic seabed, scarce earth elements.
He asked, “It’s never been explored. People thought it was covered with ice. But as the ice melts, just like the Russian tundra, who knows what’s under there?”
Charles Kupperman, who served as deputy national security advisor in Trump’s first administration, echoed Bolton’s views on the potential for recovering rare earth resources. He noted that this could significantly reduce U.S. reliance on China, which currently holds a dominant share of the materials used in computers, smartphones, and advanced technologies.
China controls the Panama Canal
Trump has consistently emphasized the importance of the Panama Canal alongside Greenland.
During a recent press conference, he criticized former President Jimmy Carter for transferring control of the 51-mile-long canal to the Panamanian government despite the massive investment of money and labor the U.S. had made to construct it in the early 1900s.
He also pointed out that China now controls the Panama Canal. Beijing has taken over this strategic waterway in recent years, gaining substantial economic and military advantages over Washington.
Trump added, “We gave it away for $1, but the deal was they have to treat us fairly,” noting, “They laugh at us because they think we’re stupid, but we’re not stupid anymore.”
He further noted that China profited significantly from operating the Panama Canal, one of the most profitable structures ever built.
The climate crisis also plays a role in China’s control of the Panama Canal.
In February 2024, a UN report revealed that a prolonged drought caused by severe climate change had significantly lowered the canal’s water levels, resulting in shipping delays. China capitalized on this situation by heavily investing in the canal’s infrastructure.
Kupperman told USA Today, “The Chinese definitely have a strategy to create a large presence in the Western Hemisphere. And it’s not just in Panama; it’s throughout South America and other places as well,” warning that such investments could pose a security threat to the U.S.
Bolton and Kupperman emphasized that if Trump’s second administration is to counter China and bolster U.S. global trade and military strategies, it must strengthen American control and influence over the Panama Canal.
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