Trump Talks Territories: Digging into U. S. Expansion Ideas

During a spirited news conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort, then-President-elect Donald Trump discussed his thoughts on potentially using military force to control the Panama Canal and Greenland, and "economic force" to assimilate Canada. He expressed interest in altering the U. S. -Canada border, suggesting it would enhance national security. Trump noted that he wouldn't use military force against Canada but hinted at economic methods instead. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau quickly dismissed the idea, asserting it had virtually no chance of happening. Historically, Trump's sentiments aren't new. Back during the War of 1812, President Thomas Jefferson believed the annexation of Canada could be easily achieved. Similarly, in the late 1800s, both major U. S. political parties had pro-annexation sentiments, believing Canadians would welcome it. However, polls show that Canadians have a distinct political culture and generally have positive opinions about the U. S. , though favorability dropped during Trump's presidency. Meanwhile, in Greenland, the Danish king updated the royal coat of arms to prominently feature Greenland, coinciding with Donald Trump Jr. 's visit, accompanied by incoming White House officials. Looking at the political shifts during the Trump era, it's clear that many counties have transformed. Starr County in Texas, known for its long streak of Democratic voting, switched due to Trump's influence. Similarly, Elliott County in Kentucky, traditionally Democratic, saw significant shifts towards Republicans under Trump's presidency. Counties trending Republican often have high Latino or blue-collar white populations. Those moving Democratic often have high incomes and are educated, particularly in states like Utah and Idaho with large Mormon populations, who are relatively Trump-averse.