Trump threatens military: he wants control over Greenland and the Panama Canal
By Julia Naue
Washington/Mar-a-Lago (USA) -US President-elect Donald Trump (78) has not ruled out using the military to gain control of the Panama Canal or Greenland.
When asked by a journalist whether he could assure the world that he would not use military or economic force, Trump said: "No." He would not commit to this, emphasized the Republican, who will return to the White House on 20 January.
It could be that "something will have to be done". Trump was speaking at a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in the US state of Florida. Trump had previously described the transit fees on the Panama Canal as "highly unfair". He called for control of the waterway to be handed back to the USA if it was not treated fairly.
The canal - one of the world's most important trade routes - was built by the USA in the early 20th century and controlled for a long time before administration was gradually handed over to Panama.
"The Panama Canal is vital for our country. It's run by China," Trump lamented in Mar-a-Lago.
Donald Trump Jr. on a "private" trip to Greenland
Trump has also expressed interest in the island of Greenland, which belongs to Denmark, on several occasions. In December, he said: "In the interest of national security and freedom in the world, the United States believes that ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity."
Trump's son Donald Trump Jr. (47) is currently visiting the island - officially, the trip is of a private nature. At the press conference, Trump claimed that it was not even known whether Denmark had a legal claim to Greenland.
"But if they do, they should give it up, because we need [Greenland] for national security."