# Trump now wants to use military force to take the Panama Canal and Greenland **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Tags:** trump\ **Created:** [January 7, 2025, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-the-panama-canal-and-greenland/1012691 "2025-01-07T20:27:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2025, 8:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-the-panama-canal-and-greenland/1012691/81 "2025-01-09T08:00:12Z")
> [@Measure\_for\_Measure](#): > > Trump receives support from newly elected Representative Brandon Gill (R-Texas-26). I think it was Gill whom I saw interviewed on CNN earlier today. He blathered on in the manner of your posted quote from him, never answering the reporter’s question, leaving her saying “That doesn’t answer my question; will you please answer my question?” He didn’t; he just blathered on with Trumpist propaganda. The reporter just plain interrupted him a few times, but he never supplied an answer to her question. Just propaganda. ---
**Author:** ![aurora\_maire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aurora_maire/32/328_2.png) [@aurora\_maire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurora_maire)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2025, 8:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-the-panama-canal-and-greenland/1012691/82 "2025-01-09T08:49:15Z")
> [@PatrickLondon](#): > > why not look for agreements all round that they would do nothing to imperil US national security, rather than setting out on the course of action guaranteed to get your negotiation partners’ backs up? Because using bully tactics is the only way Trump “negotiates”. And no one is going to tell him that’s the wrong way to do things. ---
**Author:** ![Odesio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/odesio/32/20003_2.png) [@Odesio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odesio)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2025, 9:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-the-panama-canal-and-greenland/1012691/83 "2025-01-09T09:06:29Z")
> [@aurora\_maire](#): > > Because using bully tactics is the only way Trump “negotiates”. And no one is going to tell him that’s the wrong way to do things. I hate to say it, but these tactics continue to be successful for Trump. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2025, 9:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-the-panama-canal-and-greenland/1012691/84 "2025-01-09T09:16:12Z")
> [@Odesio](#): > > I hate to say it, but these tactics continue to be successful for Trump. Only inside the US, they’ve worked terribly elsewhere. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2025, 10:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-the-panama-canal-and-greenland/1012691/85 "2025-01-09T10:06:58Z")
> [@Brandon Gill](#): > > This is the light of America expanding. Yes, I’ve been watching the “light of America expanding” on the news. [![](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2192412208_585a3d-SPLASH.jpg?w=2000&h=1126&crop=1&resize=1000%2C564) ](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2192412208_585a3d-SPLASH.jpg?w=2000&h=1126&crop=1&resize=1000%2C564) I’m sure Trump’s proposals will have a similar effect elsewhere. ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2025, 11:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-the-panama-canal-and-greenland/1012691/86 "2025-01-09T11:16:27Z")
> [@Der\_Trihs](#): > > Only inside the US, they’ve worked terribly elsewhere. Not for Trump. ---
**Author:** ![OldOlds](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/a3d4f5/32.png) [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2025, 11:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-the-panama-canal-and-greenland/1012691/87 "2025-01-09T11:44:25Z")
> [@PatrickLondon](#): > > rather than setting out on the course of action guaranteed to get your negotiation partners’ backs up? Seems entirely counter-productive. You are assuming someone who is smart. Trump is not smart. He may be shrewd. He may be good at getting what he wants. But he is not smart. ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2025, 12:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-the-panama-canal-and-greenland/1012691/88 "2025-01-09T12:22:11Z")
A take from my POV: _Asking the question_ “do you rule out using force” was a mistake. Opening a door nobody was knocking on. Because he probably up to that point had not given it serious thought but of course being asked how far he’ll go to get what he wants, his reflex unthinking reaction is, whatever it takes, never rule out anything. As mentioned, he has been conditioned to that the bully’s way is his go-to if any pushback is expected, because it has worked _for him_. Not for the company or the party or the country, _for him_. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2025, 12:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-the-panama-canal-and-greenland/1012691/89 "2025-01-09T12:31:30Z")
I was pretty young when William Walker was in his prime adventuring and overlanding days. It’ll be nice to get **[the _old_ filibuster](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filibuster_(military))** going again: > **[William Walker (filibuster)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Walker_(filibuster))** > > William Walker (May 8, 1824 – September 12, 1860) was an American physician, lawyer, journalist, and mercenary. In the era of the expansion of the United States, driven by the doctrine of "manifest destiny", Walker organized unauthorized military expeditions into Mexico and Central America with the intention of establishing colonies. Such an enterprise was known at the time as "filibustering". > After settling in California and motivated by an earlier filibustering project of Gaston de Raousset-... I hope there’s still space at the “Old Cemetery,” in Honduras! MAGAfest Destiny, indeed!! 🤮 ---
**Author:** ![Horatius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horatius/32/3572_2.png) [@Horatius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatius)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2025, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-the-panama-canal-and-greenland/1012691/90 "2025-01-09T13:15:27Z")
> [@PatrickLondon](#): > > What I don’t get is that, if anyone’s worried about an independent Greenland sucking up to China, why not look for agreements all round that they would do nothing to imperil US national security, rather than setting out on the course of action guaranteed to get your negotiation partners’ backs up? Because even that’s pretty damn insulting. The US and Greenland have been working together as allies since [at least the US finally got off it’s ass during WWII](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pituffik_Space_Base#World_War_II). To suggest that Greenland now has to make extra-special “pinky swear promise” that it won’t suddenly embrace an anti-American position is utterly deranged. See also, Canada. Trump did this to us last time around, labelling us a threat to US national security just so he could slap tariffs on us. It’s insulting and infuriating. ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2025, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-the-panama-canal-and-greenland/1012691/91 "2025-01-09T13:18:02Z")
Walker may have been evil and crazy, but there’s also this quote from your link: > Both men were tried by a military court on charges of piracy and “filibusterism”. In his defense, Walker argued that piracy could not be committed on land and “filibusterism” wasn’t a word. I mean… respect. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2025, 1:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-the-panama-canal-and-greenland/1012691/92 "2025-01-09T13:23:12Z")
For any who doubted that “You should feel _hugely_ flattered that I found you attractive enough to rape” wasn’t actually the kind of justification considered by execrable (male) human beings … > [@](#): > > Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas) says Canada, Panama and Greenland should be “honored” by President-elect Trump’s ambitions to make them part of the United States. > > “I think that the people of Panama, I think that the people of Greenland, I think that the people of Canada for that matter should be honored that President Trump wants to bring these territories under the American fold,” the newly sworn-in lawmaker said during a Wednesday afternoon appearance on CNN. > **[Lawmaker lauds Trump’s expansion plan: Panama, Greenland, Canada ‘should be...](https://www.aol.com/lawmaker-lauds-trump-expansion-plan-001009130.html)** > > Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas) says Canada, Panama and Greenland should be “honored” by President-elect Trump’s ambitions to make them part of the United States. “I think that the people of Panama, I think that the people of Greenland, I think that the... > [@Alessan](#): > > I mean… respect. Oh, fine. But did he _really_ do _anything other than_ bogart “**[Princess Bride?](https://www.wacac.org/465/)**” @Spoons Yeah. That was him. ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2025, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-the-panama-canal-and-greenland/1012691/93 "2025-01-09T13:41:01Z")
Why is a newly-sworn “lawmaker” on CNN? Oh yeah, those juicy soundbites and clicks. ---
**Author:** ![OldOlds](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/a3d4f5/32.png) [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2025, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-the-panama-canal-and-greenland/1012691/94 "2025-01-09T13:53:51Z")
If Trump wanted to take Greenland and Panama by force, wouldn’t it require a declaration of war by Congress? I know we like to do these decade-long AUMFs (which I think are unconstitutional and just allow Congress to absolve itself of yet another responsibility) but I cannot see how any AUMF currently in place would apply to Greenland or Panama. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2025, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-the-panama-canal-and-greenland/1012691/95 "2025-01-09T14:06:21Z")
Right-wing, batshit crazy _bona fides_ don’t just establish themselves, y’know. ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2025, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-the-panama-canal-and-greenland/1012691/96 "2025-01-09T14:10:50Z")
I believe he is securing his legacy, much like the pharaohs of ancient Egypt as his prime motivation. Changing the map of the world that will be credited to him for centuries, children will learn about that in school. He has also hinted at adding his head to Mt Rushmore during his first term and I also think that’s why he did Space Force. ---
**Author:** ![PhillyGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ed655f/32.png) [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2025, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-the-panama-canal-and-greenland/1012691/97 "2025-01-09T14:19:08Z")
> [@OldOlds](#): > > If Trump wanted to take Greenland and Panama by force, wouldn’t it require a declaration of war by Congress? No. He can start the war and then it is up to Congress to end it. Here is a summary: [Congressional Research Service - War Powers](https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R47603#:~:text=Sixty%20days%20after%20the%20President,passed%20legislation%20authorizing%20the%20action) > [@](#): > > Before the President commits U.S. troops into hostilities abroad, the WPR directs that Congress first be consulted “in every possible instance.” The WPR further mandates that the President report to Congress within 48 hours of deploying U.S. forces if Congress has not declared war or statutorily authorized the action. The President must continue reporting to Congress at least every six months for the duration of the engagement. Sixty days after the President first reports to Congress (or was required to do so), the use of the Armed Forces is automatically terminated unless Congress has declared war or passed legislation authorizing the action. The President may extend this 60-day period an additional 30 days . . . . I think that military operations in Panama or Greenland would be pretty much over before the 90 days limit. If not, he would make some excuse and go on as desired. P.S. [Panama doesn’t even have a real army](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panamanian_Public_Forces). Greenland is defended by Denmark, which has conscription. But Greenland does not have conscription! How long would mainland Danes be willing to see their conscripts die for Greenlanders whose children were not dying? ---
**Author:** ![OldOlds](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/a3d4f5/32.png) [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2025, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-the-panama-canal-and-greenland/1012691/98 "2025-01-09T14:33:46Z")
That seems foolish. I was under the impression the US could act unilaterally in defense, but not in offense. ---
**Author:** ![Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/son_of_a_rich/32/5439_2.png) [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2025, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-the-panama-canal-and-greenland/1012691/99 "2025-01-09T14:38:08Z")
This reminds me of my WW2 vet coworker who used to say, “If Hitler tried to enter Turkey from the rear, would Greece help?” ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2025, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-the-panama-canal-and-greenland/1012691/100 "2025-01-09T14:41:01Z")
Pick just about any recent use of military force by the US. See how many of them involve declarations of war or Congressional approval. Some do, but I suggest that is largely influenced by political, rather than legal, factors. I recall writing a lengthy paper on the War Powers Act in college back in the early 80s. Surprised me to learn how free the President is to commit troops and initiate military action. Also, you discuss the US acting unilaterally in defense. Defense of what? Its territory or its interests? Defined by whom? Finally, are you discussing the ability of the US - as a nation - acting unilaterally militarily, without the agreement of its allies? Or are you discussing the President’s ability to commit troops without the agreement of Congress? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-the-panama-canal-and-greenland/1012691.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-now-wants-to-use-military-force-to-take-the-panama-canal-and-greenland/1012691.md?page=6)