(WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.)

Donald Trump appears to be revisiting his interest in Greenland, a topic he raised during his first presidential term when he expressed a desire for the U.S. to buy the territory from Denmark. This renewed focus on Greenland adds to the list of diplomatic strains with allied nations just before he officially resumes office on January 20.

During a recent event where he introduced his new ambassador to Denmark, Trump stated, “For the sake of National Security and Freedom around the globe, the United States believes that ownership and control of Greenland is absolutely essential.”

Trump’s renewed attention on Greenland comes on the heels of his comments over the weekend about potentially reclaiming authority over the Panama Canal if escalating shipping costs continue to affect American interests. He indicated that decisive action might be necessary to tackle financial challenges concerning this crucial waterway that links the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

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In addition, Trump has humorously suggested that Canada should become the 51st state, playfully calling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau the “governor” of the “Great State of Canada.” Such statements have raised eyebrows and ignited conversations about his unconventional approach to international relations.

Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia, points out that Trump’s provocative stance toward friendly nations reflects a negotiation tactic he utilized in his business dealings. “By asking for something seemingly outrageous, you might end up securing something more reasonable,” he explained. Farnsworth is also the author of “Presidential Communication and Character.”

Greenland, the world’s largest island, holds a strategically vital position between the Atlantic and Arctic oceans. The island is largely covered by an ice sheet and hosts a notable U.S. military presence. Greenland gained home rule from Denmark in 1979, and its current leader, Múte Bourup Egede, has firmly stated that U.S. attempts to assert control over the territory are in vain, declaring, “Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale. We must protect our long-standing fight for freedom.”

In 2019, Trump canceled a planned visit to Denmark after Danish officials dismissed his proposal to buy Greenland. Now, he is reigniting the discussion, spotlighting the Panama Canal as another contentious issue, claiming that the U.S. is being “ripped off” in its dealings regarding that important passage.

“If the moral and legal principles of this generous offer are not honored, we will demand the quick and unconditional return of the Panama Canal to the United States,” Trump asserted.

In response, Panama’s President, José Raúl Mulino, countered in a video statement that “every inch of the canal is Panama’s and will remain so,” to which Trump retorted on social media, “We’ll see about that!”

Moreover, Trump shared an image of a U.S. flag in the canal zone with the caption “Welcome to the United States Canal!” Historically, the U.S. constructed the canal in the early 1900s but relinquished control to Panama on December 31, 1999, under a treaty signed by President Jimmy Carter.

Recent drought conditions in 2023 have impacted the canal’s operations, limiting the number of ships that can transit and leading to higher fees for those wishing to reserve passage.

Trump’s remarks about Greenland and the Panama Canal coincide with his repeated assertion that “Canadians want Canada to become the 51st state,” a claim he backed with a photo of himself on a mountaintop alongside a Canadian flag.

Trudeau has suggested that Trump was joking about the prospect of annexing Canada, although the two recently met at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort to discuss potential trade tariffs that could affect Canadian products.

Farnsworth noted, “Canada is not on the path to becoming part of the United States, but Trump’s comments seem designed to influence negotiations and create uncertainty in Canada’s political landscape, particularly in the current political climate.” He added that this approach could lead to concessions on trade, border security, or other matters.

This same line of reasoning applies to Trump’s ambitions concerning Greenland, according to Farnsworth. “What Trump ultimately seeks is a victory. Even if the American flag doesn’t fly over Greenland, European leaders might be more inclined to consider other requests due to the pressure he exerts,” he concluded.

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Associated Press Writer Gary Fields in Washington contributed to this report.