Trump's Empire Dreams: Russia Floats 'Split Greenland' Deal as Panama Canal Power Play Sparks Global Alarm

Nathan Rivero, 1/15/2025Trump eyes Greenland and Panama Canal control, sparking global tensions and Russian interest.

Trump's vision of American territorial dominance has met swift resistance from current leadership in both regions. Greenland's Prime Minister Múte Egede delivered an unequivocal response: "Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale." Similarly, Panama's President José Raúl Mulino declared that "every square metre of the canal" belongs to Panama and will remain so.

Yet the geopolitical chess game has taken an intriguing turn. Russian Parliament member and former military commander Andrey Gurulyov suggested on state TV that Moscow might be interested in cutting a deal with Trump over Greenland. "Why don't we look at Greenland? We need Greenland; no joke," Gurulyov proclaimed, adding provocatively, "At the very least, we could make a deal with Trump and split Greenland into a couple of pieces."

The strategic significance of these territories cannot be understated — particularly Greenland, which serves as America's first line of defense against potential Russian nuclear strikes. "Frankly, this is our backyard...Actually, it's our front door," emphasizes Tom Dans, a former Trump appointee at the Arctic Research Commission.

Meanwhile, Trump's assertions about Chinese control over the Panama Canal — while factually incorrect — touch upon legitimate concerns about Beijing's growing influence in the region. Since Panama switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 2017, Chinese involvement has increased significantly, though stopping short of actual control over the vital waterway.

The situation has prompted swift legislative action from Trump's allies in Congress. Republican Representative Dusty Johnson has introduced legislation to authorize the purchase of the Panama Canal, while House Republicans have put forward a bill enabling negotiations with Denmark over Greenland's acquisition.

These moves reflect a broader shift in Trump's foreign policy vision — one that prioritizes direct control over diplomatic finesse. However, experts suggest that outright acquisition may be unnecessary to achieve American security objectives. As Kristine Berzina of the German Marshall Fund notes, "The U.S. doesn't need to own Greenland in order to support its presence there."

The reality is that both territories are already moving toward closer cooperation with the United States, albeit on their own terms. Greenland's government has signaled openness to increased defense collaboration and American investment in mining operations. Similarly, Panama may seek to strengthen its U.S. ties while distancing itself from China's sphere of influence.

Yet Trump's aggressive stance — including his refusal to rule out military force — has raised alarming questions about the future of international relations. His approach represents a dramatic departure from the "rules-based international order" championed by the Biden administration, potentially setting the stage for a more transactional — and potentially volatile — global landscape.

For now, the world watches as Trump's territorial ambitions collide with the realities of 21st-century diplomacy. Whether these bold moves will result in meaningful changes to the geopolitical map — or simply generate diplomatic turbulence — remains to be seen. What's clear is that Trump's vision for American expansion has introduced a new element of uncertainty into an already complex international environment.

In a bold move that's sending shockwaves through international diplomatic circles, President-elect Donald Trump has reignited his ambitious — and controversial — pursuit of territorial expansion, targeting both Greenland and the Panama Canal. This renewed push for American control over strategic assets has sparked fierce debate and drawn unexpected interest from Moscow.Trump's vision of American territorial dominance has met swift resistance from current leadership in both regions. Greenland's Prime Minister Múte Egede delivered an unequivocal response: "Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale." Similarly, Panama's President José Raúl Mulino declared that "every square metre of the canal" belongs to Panama and will remain so.Yet the geopolitical chess game has taken an intriguing turn. Russian Parliament member and former military commander Andrey Gurulyov suggested on state TV that Moscow might be interested in cutting a deal with Trump over Greenland. "Why don't we look at Greenland? We need Greenland; no joke," Gurulyov proclaimed, adding provocatively, "At the very least, we could make a deal with Trump and split Greenland into a couple of pieces."The strategic significance of these territories cannot be understated — particularly Greenland, which serves as America's first line of defense against potential Russian nuclear strikes. "Frankly, this is our backyard...Actually, it's our front door," emphasizes Tom Dans, a former Trump appointee at the Arctic Research Commission.Meanwhile, Trump's assertions about Chinese control over the Panama Canal — while factually incorrect — touch upon legitimate concerns about Beijing's growing influence in the region. Since Panama switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 2017, Chinese involvement has increased significantly, though stopping short of actual control over the vital waterway.The situation has prompted swift legislative action from Trump's allies in Congress. Republican Representative Dusty Johnson has introduced legislation to authorize the purchase of the Panama Canal, while House Republicans have put forward a bill enabling negotiations with Denmark over Greenland's acquisition.These moves reflect a broader shift in Trump's foreign policy vision — one that prioritizes direct control over diplomatic finesse. However, experts suggest that outright acquisition may be unnecessary to achieve American security objectives. As Kristine Berzina of the German Marshall Fund notes, "The U.S. doesn't need to own Greenland in order to support its presence there."The reality is that both territories are already moving toward closer cooperation with the United States, albeit on their own terms. Greenland's government has signaled openness to increased defense collaboration and American investment in mining operations. Similarly, Panama may seek to strengthen its U.S. ties while distancing itself from China's sphere of influence.Yet Trump's aggressive stance — including his refusal to rule out military force — has raised alarming questions about the future of international relations. His approach represents a dramatic departure from the "rules-based international order" championed by the Biden administration, potentially setting the stage for a more transactional — and potentially volatile — global landscape.For now, the world watches as Trump's territorial ambitions collide with the realities of 21st-century diplomacy. Whether these bold moves will result in meaningful changes to the geopolitical map — or simply generate diplomatic turbulence — remains to be seen. What's clear is that Trump's vision for American expansion has introduced a new element of uncertainty into an already complex international environment.