President-elect Donald Trump addressed a range of foreign policy issues during a press conference on Tuesday, offering insights into his administration’s stance on the Panama Canal, Greenland, NATO, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
His comments revealed a blend of strong rhetoric, strategic proposals, and critiques of the Biden administration’s handling of international affairs.
Trump expressed concern over what he described as the critical importance of the Panama Canal and Greenland to U.S. economic security. He criticized past decisions, particularly the transfer of the Panama Canal to Panama, which he argued had ultimately benefited China.
“The Panama Canal was built for our military, and now it’s being operated by China,” Trump said. “We gave it to Panama, not to China, and they’ve abused that gift. It should have never been made. It was a horrible decision.”
Trump suggested that his administration might explore new strategies, including renegotiating treaties or other measures, to secure U.S. interests in these regions. However, he declined to rule out the use of military or economic pressure, stating, “I’m not going to commit to that now. It might be that you’ll have to do something.”
READ :Trump Vows To Reverse Biden’s Offshore Drilling Ban, Calls For Energy Independence
He also noted the historical significance of the canal and criticized former President Jimmy Carter for transferring control to Panama, which Trump claimed contributed to Carter’s electoral loss.
Trump also addressed the complexities of the ongoing war in Ukraine, criticizing the Biden administration’s handling of negotiations and attributing the conflict’s escalation to missteps in U.S. foreign policy.
“This war would have never started under my administration,” Trump stated. “But it has started, and the cities are now largely destroyed. It’s much more complicated now.”
Trump criticized NATO’s approach to Ukraine, arguing that the alliance’s expansion near Russia’s borders had provoked tensions. He suggested that a prior understanding with Russia had been disrupted by President Biden, escalating the conflict. “It was always understood that Ukraine wouldn’t join NATO, but Biden broke that deal,” Trump said.
READ: Trump Announces $20 Billion Investment In The U.S. By DAMAC Properties
On NATO funding, Trump reiterated his role in securing increased financial contributions from member nations during his first term. “When I started, many NATO countries weren’t paying their share. I raised over $680 billion by telling them we wouldn’t protect them if they didn’t pay,” he said. “Now, NATO has money, but it’s time for Europe to step up. They’re much more affected by this war than we are.”
Trump also proposed raising the required defense spending for NATO members from the current 2% of GDP to 5%, arguing that the increased investment was necessary to ensure the alliance’s readiness and stability.
As Trump prepares to take office, his comments suggest a foreign policy approach prioritizing U.S. interests through assertive negotiation and reduced reliance on international alliances. His critiques of past administrations, particularly regarding NATO and the Panama Canal, reflect his broader vision of reasserting American strength on the global stage.
While his positions are likely to draw criticism from some quarters, they resonate with his base and underscore his focus on economic and security priorities. As global tensions remain high, Trump’s administration will face significant challenges in navigating complex relationships and conflicts, from Europe to Latin America and beyond.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.