Political analyst names targets of Trump's statements on Greenland and Canada
US President-elect Donald Trump may use the statements about Canada joining the country as a state and buying Greenland to later get a more favorable position in trade relations with Ottawa and more freedom for the US military on the Arctic island. This opinion was shared with Izvestia on January 13 by Nikita Setov, deputy general director for GR at Polylog Group and political scientist.
He noted that Trump's statements about buying Greenland and turning Canada into the 51st state of the United States may seem extravagant and unrealistic. Indeed, Canada is economically dependent on the US, and there is a US military base in Greenland, the expert added. Thus, Washington's "soft power" allows to ensure national security without direct annexation of territories. In addition, he pointed out, Canadians on average hold more liberal views, and their hypothetical participation in federal elections could reduce the likelihood of a Republican victory
"But Trump is first and foremost a showman. His voters expect the president to take decisive action, which is exactly what Trump is creating by publicly confronting the Canadian prime minister and, more broadly, the representatives of the liberal world order. Even if he doesn't put his high-profile statements into action, he may well get trade concessions from his northern neighbor or increased freedom of action for the U.S. military in Greenland. Always demand more to bargain for the terms you really need - the rule of business," the interlocutor explained.
He emphasized that Trump has seized the agenda, now his words are discussed by the whole world. The politician has gained control over information - a serious resource that can be used to cover the preparation of really important decisions, Setov believes.
"Trump has begun to dictate the rules of the game and intends to do so for the next four years," the political scientist concluded.
Earlier, on December 3, 2024, Trump said during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that this country could become a new American state if it fails to deal with drug smuggling and illegal migration.
Later, on January 7 of this year, the Republican published on his social network Truth Social a map with Canada annexed to the United States. Trudeau then also rejected Trump's proposal to make the country an American state. Reacting to this, billionaire Ilon Musk, addressing the head of the Canadian government, called him a girl and pointed out that he no longer decides anything.
Among other things, on December 22, Trump, announcing the appointment of an ambassador to Denmark, emphasized that for the States "ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity". The American politician expressed interest in buying Greenland from Denmark in 2019 as well. Then he received a refusal. Meanwhile, on January 12, Trump's adviser Michael Waltz said that the President-elect, speaking about his plans to annex Greenland, considers all options for the implementation of such a scenario up to the impact of force.
