President-elect Donald Trump has suggested renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” and declined to rule out the possibility of using military force to assert U.S. control over Greenland and the Panama Canal.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, Trump was asked whether he would rule out “military or economic coercion” to achieve his goal of acquiring these territories. He responded, “No,” adding, “We need them for economic security.”
Despite his campaign promises to avoid wars, Trump’s comments hint at a willingness to use military measures. “I’m not going to start a war,” he stated during his victory speech after winning the 2024 election. “I’m going to stop wars.” However, Tuesday’s remarks marked the first time he has explicitly mentioned potential military action for territorial expansion.
When asked about Canada, another country he has suggested the U.S. could acquire, Trump ruled out military force but said he would consider “economic force.”
Continuing his expansionist rhetoric, Trump announced his intention to rename the Gulf of Mexico. “We’re going to be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, which has a beautiful ring that covers a lot of territory,” he said. “What a beautiful name. And it’s appropriate.”
Trump did not elaborate on how the renaming would be implemented but quickly shifted focus to criticizing Mexico for undocumented immigration. He also threatened tariffs on both Mexico and Canada, citing drug trafficking and illegal border crossings.
“Mexico has to stop allowing millions of people to pour into our country. They can stop them,” Trump said. “We’re going to put very serious tariffs on Mexico and Canada. Substantial tariffs.”
The comments have drawn significant attention, with critics questioning the feasibility and implications of such bold proposals.
