Key lines from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago news conference

Key lines from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago news conference

 Key lines from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago news conference

President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday doubled down on his call for American territorial expansion, refusing to rule out using military force to acquire Greenland and retake control of the Panama Canal.

During a wide-ranging news conference at Mar-a-Lago — his second since winning the 2024 election — Trump also proposed using “economic force” to annex Canada as the United States’ 51st state. “If you remove that artificial line, it’s better for national security,” Trump said at his Florida estate.

Trump’s proposals for territorial acquisitions — which, if successful, would mark the first significant changes to U.S. borders since Hawaii’s statehood in 1959 — represent a sharp departure from recent bipartisan foreign policy norms. His statements come amid widespread opposition among Western leaders to territorial expansion, particularly in the wake of Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

Over the course of his hour-long remarks, Trump also aired grievances about legal cases against him, the Biden administration’s handling of the transition, and environmental regulations he opposes.
Military and Economic Expansion Plans

Trump declined to rule out the use of “military or economic coercion” to pursue Greenland or Panama, stating, “We need them for economic security.” He criticized Denmark’s control of Greenland, suggesting that the territory could vote for independence or U.S. statehood, and threatened steep tariffs if Denmark resisted. “I’m talking about protecting the free world,” Trump said.

He also lambasted Panama’s management of the Panama Canal, which was built by the United States and controlled by the country until a 1977 agreement under President Jimmy Carter gradually handed over control to Panama. “The Panama Canal is a disgrace,” Trump said, adding that the handover “was a terrible thing to do.”
Threats and Foreign Policy

Trump issued a stark warning to Hamas, demanding the release of hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. “If those hostages aren’t back by the time I take office, all hell will break out in the Middle East,” Trump said.
Domestic Criticism and Legal Grievances

The president-elect praised District Judge Aileen Cannon’s decision to block the public release of special counsel Jack Smith’s final report on federal investigations into Trump. Trump called Smith “deranged” and celebrated Cannon as a “brilliant judge with great courage.” He also criticized the Biden administration’s transition efforts, accusing them of creating obstacles for his return to office.
Energy Policies and Environmental Regulations

Trump continued his long-standing opposition to renewable energy, railing against wind turbines, which he blamed for increased whale fatalities and referred to as “litter” on the landscape. He called for a policy banning new wind turbines and criticized energy efficiency regulations, including those for dishwashers and electric heaters.
Name Changes and Tariff Threats

Trump proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America, calling it a “beautiful and appropriate” name. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene announced she would introduce legislation to formalize the name change.

He also renewed threats of tariffs against Canada and Mexico over undocumented immigration and criticized recent Biden administration environmental protections, pledging to reverse them.
Praise for Meta and Investment Announcement

Trump praised Meta for its decision to replace fact-checkers on Facebook and Instagram with user-generated “community notes,” calling CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s announcement “impressive.” When asked if Meta’s move was a response to his past threats, Trump replied, “Probably.”

He opened the news conference by announcing a $20 billion investment from Emirati billionaire Hussain Sajwani for U.S. data centers, crediting his election victory for inspiring the deal.

This story has been updated to include additional details.