Staff Reports
President Trump has once again set his sights on expanding America’s territorial ambitions, sending shocks through Washington during his recent address to Congress. In an electrifying presentation, he announced plans to reclaim both the Panama Canal and Greenland, while also boldly proclaiming that the United States will plant its flag on Mars and beyond. Clearly, the President is feeling frisky in his second term, and if reclaiming lost territories sounds an awful lot like the “America First” doctrine cranked up to eleven, that’s because it is.
Trump kicked off the speech by addressing the baggage left over from 1977, when America handed over the Panama Canal to Panama, who then handed the keys to a Chinese-controlled firm. According to Trump, it’s time to take what’s rightfully American back from foreign hands. While critics might raise an eyebrow and suggest he’s sounding a bit like an imperialist, many Americans are cheering him on, viewing it as a move to wrestle strategic power back from the Chinese. After all, with about 70% of the canal’s traffic linked to U.S. ports, this isn’t just a casual drop-in at a neighborhood BBQ—it’s a fight for American interests.
Trump serious about American conquests from Panama to Marshttps://t.co/1EKzdDvl5j pic.twitter.com/0ZeDfBeuYY
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) March 6, 2025
Not stopping at canal diplomacy, Trump had some ambitious comments regarding Greenland, declaring it will soon be American—one way or another. He aims to entice the island’s residents with promises of safety and wealth. Some may scoff at taking on a whole country, but isn’t that just classic Trump? The great deal-maker, negotiating over a global game of risk while others are still trying to manage their Monopoly boards. Meanwhile, Greenland’s Prime Minister may have rolled his eyes at Trump’s plans, but it’s hard to miss the true motivation behind the President’s interest: rare earth minerals and strategic military positioning.
In a humorous twist, Trump took the liberty of trolling Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau by suggesting Canada could become America’s 51st state. While actual plans for a Canadian takeover were left out of his recent address, it sure serves to keep the neighborly banter alive—drive Trudeau to the edge of hysteria as America stands resolute. The Prime Minister likely wishes he could just shut the door and pretend this conversation isn’t happening.
Critics will inevitably surface, grasping for reasons to decry Trump’s expansionist vision as reckless or dangerous. Retired General Barry McCaffrey may think Trump is conjuring visions of a “criminal predator nation,” while, in reality, the enthusiasm from the American public suggests they’re tired of watching other countries play leapfrog with American interests. With 76% approval from a CBS/YouGov poll right after the address, it’s more than fair to say that Trump’s ambitious plans resonate with a good chunk of the Republican base. After decades of waning American influence abroad, the idea of a bold, resurgence is music to many traditionalist ears.
With the Panama Canal and the dazzling allure of Greenland drawing the President’s focus, Trump is making strides aiming to restore American supremacy in a world where it has been gradually undermined. If reclaiming territories and expanding influence is part of the plan, then maybe it’s time for critics to strap in for a ride they didn’t see coming. America is not just back—it’s ready to stretch its arms, rebuild its legacy, and remind the world who really runs the show.
