Will Trump really take Canada and Greenland?

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Jan 8, 2025

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ANECDOTE

Trump's Unexpected Press Conference Topics

Sarah Smith describes a press conference by Donald Trump that was ostensibly about data centers.
Trump discussed Greenland, the Panama Canal, Canada, and whales, surprising Smith.

INSIGHT

Trump's P.T. Barnum Approach

Trump's behavior is similar to P.T. Barnum's use of spectacle and controversy.
This mix of truth, exaggeration, and absurdity is part of Trump's appeal.

INSIGHT

Trump Jr.'s Greenland Visit

Donald Trump Jr. visited Greenland before the press conference, seemingly scouting the territory.
This suggests a genuine interest in acquiring Greenland, echoing past U.S. attempts.

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It was a press conference intended to showcase investment from a Dubai-based firm in new US data centres, but its focus quickly switched to what the incoming president might do when it comes to America’s closest neighbours.

Fielding questions from reporters, Donald Trump refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland and the Panama Canal. While he appeared to rule out the possibility when it came to Canada, Trump did say he would use “economic force” to annex Canada and described their shared border as “an artificially drawn line”.

How seriously should the world take Trump’s threats, and what do they indicate about his strategy when he takes office in 12 days time?

HOSTS:

• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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This episode was made by George Dabby with Rufus Gray, Catherine Fusillo and Claire Betzer. The technical producer is Michael Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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