President Donald Trump reignited discussions over the weekend on his ambitions to purchase Greenland and explore the idea of Canada becoming a U.S. state. During a 20-minute session aboard Air Force One, he also addressed the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, proposing that Arab nations accept more Palestinian refugees.
Greenland: A strategic addition?
Trump reiterated his long-standing interest in acquiring Greenland, a vast Arctic territory under Denmark’s sovereignty. “I think Greenland will be worked out with us. I think we’re going to have it. And I think the people want to be with us,” he told reporters on Saturday.
Greenland, rich in rare earth minerals and uranium, has been on Trump’s radar since 2019, despite Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s firm stance that the island is “not for sale.” Trump argued that the U.S. could enhance Greenland’s security and, by extension, safeguard the free world. “I don’t really know what claim Denmark has to it,” he said. “It would be a very unfriendly act if they didn’t allow it to happen.”
The Financial Times reported Friday that Trump recently reiterated his desire to purchase Greenland during a phone call with Frederiksen, signaling that the idea remains active in his foreign policy agenda.
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Canada as the 51st state?
Trump also broached the subject of Canada potentially becoming a U.S. state, claiming it would benefit Canadians through lower taxes and enhanced security. “Their taxes would be cut in half. They’d have no military problems. They’d be much more secure in every way,” Trump argued.
However, he also criticized Canada’s trade practices, threatening tariffs if issues persist. “Canada has been taking advantage of the United States for years, and we’re not going to let that happen,” he said.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau dismissed the notion of Canada becoming a U.S. state as “not going to happen.” He warned that U.S. tariffs would drive up prices for American consumers, adding tension to bilateral relations. Trump announced that tariffs on Canada would begin February 1.
Refugee proposals amid Middle East conflict
In response to the Israel-Hamas conflict, Trump suggested that Arab nations such as Jordan and Egypt take in more Palestinian refugees, either temporarily or permanently. He praised Jordan’s King Abdullah for his efforts in housing refugees and revealed plans to request similar support from Egyptian President Abdul Fatah al-Sisi.
Trump described Gaza as a “demolition site,” emphasizing the need for alternative housing solutions in Arab nations. “It could be temporary. It could be long-term,” he said.
These comments signal a renewed focus on reshaping U.S. foreign policy under Trump’s leadership, though many of his proposals face significant domestic and international resistance.
