Trump's pre‑presidency provocations: Tensions rise globally
Brutal and in a Trumpian style, but preparing the ground for future negotiations—that's how American studies expert Andrzej Kohut comments on Donald Trump's recent statements. Although the politician has not taken office as president, he has already insulted or worried politicians in Canada, Panama, and Greenland.
"Many people in Canada want to become the 51st state of the USA," Donald Trump assessed, commenting on Justin Trudeau's decision to step down as prime minister. "Canada and the USA together, what a great nation that would be," added the president-elect.
In a social media post, Trump said he had heard Greenland's residents support his "Make America Great Again" campaign. He mentioned that his son, Don Junior, and other representatives would visit the area. He described Greenland as an extraordinary place and suggested that its people would benefit significantly if it became part of the United States.
The post appeared alongside a video where someone can be heard saying that if they could tell Trump anything, they would advise him to "buy Greenland." The island's premier, Mute Egede, reacted to these suggestions by stating that the territory "is not for sale and never will be."
A storm over Trump. He’s not even in power yet and has already insulted several countries
These are examples of statements by the president-elect that raise controversies. American studies expert Andrzej Kohut explains that Donald Trump has his own way of communicating his ideas.
- These sensational, even bombastic, statements are characteristic of him. However, realistically speaking, no one in his administration seriously thinks about buying Greenland or annexing Canada - says American studies expert Andrzej Kohut. Recently, in a text published, he predicted that in 2025, the media will need experts in "Trumpology," meaning understanding the true intentions of the American president. Kohut points out that behind the sensational proposals are rational premises suggested to the president-elect by his advisors.
Let's clarify that the Pituffik Space Base, an American space forces base, exists in Greenland. Additionally, as the WP interviewee explains, due to climate change, a new trade route through the Arctic may emerge in the future.
- However, Greenland is becoming a field of expansion for China. I think Trump's statements aim to emphasize that the island is an American sphere of influence. This is related to key security issues for Washington - assesses the United States policy expert.
Donald Trump Jr., son of the president-elect of the USA, visited Greenland on Tuesday. He met with local politicians advocating for the island's independence. Commentators deemed the visit a "humiliation of the Danish government."
Greenland is an autonomous territory that depends on Denmark, but there is an internal debate in which Greenlandic politicians are increasingly signalling they would like to become independent. - Perhaps here lies a certain calculation of Trump, that this independence could function under the American umbrella - Kohut emphasizes.
Canada and the USA united. "What a great nation that would be!"
The American studies expert also referred to the Canadian aspect of Trump's statements. "If Canada joined the USA, there would be no customs tariffs, taxes would significantly decrease, and Canada would be completely safe from the threat of Russian and Chinese ships, which constantly surround it," the American politician suggested.
- Important is the context for which the politician suggests the unification of Canada. The aim may be the renegotiation of trade agreements, border security issues, and here clearly Trump is testing his partners on the American continent. He previously signalled that tariffs on products from Mexico and Canada would rise by 25 percent. Brutal and in Trumpian style, but this is preparing the ground for future negotiations - assesses Andrzej Kohut.
In recent weeks, Trump suggested that his new administration might take control of the Panama Canal. The President of Panama Jose Raul Mulino rejected this idea, responding with a video posted on social media.
- The sovereignty and independence of our country are not negotiable - he clearly stated in that material. According to experts, Trump's jab resulted from American companies seeking better rates for transiting goods through the canal.
Trump will take power in the USA on January 20 at 12 PM ET.
