At first, he joked about Canada being an additional US state. Since, he has threatened to take back control of the Panama Canal. He also reiterated a desire from his first term to own the autonomous Danish territory of Greenland, which is not for sale.

President-elect Donald Trump sparked controversy by suggesting U.S. control of the Panama Canal and Greenland, citing national security and concerns over China's influence. Both regions' leaders rejected his claims of sovereignty.

In recent days the president-elect has called for asserting U.S. control over the Panama Canal and Greenland, showing that his “America First” philosophy has an expansionist dimension.