The newly elected US president wishes to rename the Gulf of Mexico, assert control over the Panama Canal, and claim Greenland as part of the United States.
US president-elect Donald Trump conducted a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida yesterday, where he outlined his vision for economic development and reiterated his slogan of making America great again. He elaborated on his economic commitments, emphasizing the necessity of Greenland and the Panama Canal for the nation’s economic security. Trump additionally proposed changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, which he claimed has “a beautiful ring” to it.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump Jr. was visiting Greenland privately, coinciding with his father’s recent remarks about Washington’s desire to annex the territory. Professor Scott Lucas, an expert in American Studies and International Politics at UCD, appeared on RTÉ Radio 1’s Drivetime to analyze the implications of Trump’s press conference. (The following excerpt has been edited for length and clarity; you can listen to the full discussion starting at 2.19 above.)
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How does Lucas assess the situation? “Really? We’re discussing global issues, including serious conflicts like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the attacks on Gaza, while climate change poses a threat, and there are significant domestic challenges in the United States concerning healthcare, housing, and transportation – and this is what we’re focusing on?”
“Trump does not communicate like a standard president when summoning policy considerations or evaluating situations. We must abandon the notion of treating him as a ‘normal president.’ Trump speaks in terms of superficial ideas designed to make him appear favorable and catch headlines.”
“Certainly, this will capture headlines, but it’s merely a passing thought. The reality is that while the waters near the United States are American, those near Mexico are Mexican; a substantial portion of the Gulf of Mexico serves as an international waterway.”
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From RTÉ News, Trump won’t dismiss the option of force regarding the Panama Canal and Greenland.
Trump has also suggested that Canada should become a US state. “He’s trolling, of course, especially with Canada facing some considerable domestic challenges. Justin Trudeau has just resigned as prime minister. Trump’s strategy essentially fuels divisions within Canada, attempting to pit Canadians against one another by asserting, ‘I’m Donald Trump, I can impose tariffs on you.’ He employs the same bullying tactics with Panama over an issue settled nearly 50 years ago, and absurdly, with Greenland as well.”
“I’m trying to avoid using the term unhinged, but he is operating with a different set of rules than you and I,” Lucas states. “This indicates a lack of coherent approaches to the significant concerns faced by America. There will be no consistent policy direction regarding legislation, nor will there be a coherent strategy addressing issues affecting us in Ireland, such as corporation tax or tariffs. Instead, we will simply have Donald Trump issuing commands and expecting US agencies to implement them.”
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From Associated Press, the Danish Prime Minister responds to Trump’s remarks about Greenland.
What is Trump’s potential role in negotiating a ceasefire in Gaza? “Let’s approach that as a serious matter,” comments Lucas. “It’s critical for those families enduring suffering, with around 100 hostages involved – both deceased and alive – and it’s been nearly 15 months. Ideally, the United States should engage in negotiations to reach a ceasefire, which necessitates pressure on the Netanyahu government and Hamas to cease their assaults. However, Netanyahu currently appears unwilling.”
“What has Trump achieved regarding this crisis? He has made two notable assertions. One, as revealed during today’s press conference: if the hostages are not released, we will retaliate significantly. However, Gaza has already endured immense suffering for 15 months; what does Trump believe he can do that has not already been attempted? Is he genuinely suggesting the introduction of US forces into that conflict?”
“Additionally, who is Trump’s envoy responsible for overseeing ceasefire negotiations? Is it a diplomat or someone experienced in Middle Eastern affairs? It’s a golfing buddy of his named Steve Witkoff. This encapsulates the chasm between Trump’s rhetoric and the grim reality unfolding in Israel and Gaza.”
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The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ.
