President-elect Donald Trump has continued to voice his interest in taking control over the Panama Canal and Greenland.
He has said that both serve important roles in the U.S. economy as well as national security.
Trump argues that Chinese interests are currently undermining the U.S. control of the Panama Canal. Congressman Dusty Johnson filed a bill that would ultimately authorize the U.S. purchase of the canal.
“I talked to the President about my plan on Sunday night. I was down at Mar-a-Lago having dinner with the President and he’s pretty excited about it. I mean obviously we talked about a lot of things because it’s a very busy time in Washington, but he really thinks that we have not been given a fair shake by the Panamanian government. Particularly with regard to the charges the U.S. military and then our carriers pay to go through the canal, and so he is pretty excited,” Rep. Johnson explained. “Now, I think step one would probably be— let’s pass my bill. Step two would be have the President open up negotiations. Step three would be if there is a way forward, agree on a good price. Step four make sure Congress appropriates that exact dollar amount so we can get the deal done.”
Now the Congressman also shared that he thinks the deal is a long shot, but is fully backing President Trump’s efforts. 73% of the traffic that passes through the Panama Canal each day is American.
When it comes to Greenland, its Prime Minister says that he will see a closer relationship with the U.S. The self-ruling territory is owned by Denmark.
At a recent press briefing the government said that an open dialog has been established with Trump in regards to mining and trade. It’s also rich in rare Earth minerals.
Efforts to kick start negotiations with Greenland have already begun, with Tennesee Congressman Andy Ogles sponsoring the “Make Greenland Great Again Act”.
