Trump is already getting work and he hasn’t even been inaugurated.
During a recent press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, President-elect Donald Trump unveiled several ambitious plans as he prepares to take office on January 20, 2025. Among the bold proposals was his intention to impose “serious tariffs” on both Canada and Mexico. Trump also suggested a symbolic, yet provocative, idea—renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America,” a move he believes would more accurately reflect the region’s importance to the United States.
Trump, 78, explained that the Gulf of America name would symbolize the vast area of influence the U.S. holds over the region. “It has a beautiful sound to it, and it’s fitting for such an important part of the world,” Trump said, reflecting on the historical and strategic significance of the gulf for American interests.
A central theme of Trump’s remarks centered around illegal immigration, which he says is fueled by both Mexico and Canada. He emphasized the need for stronger action to curb the flow of migrants. “Mexico must stop the illegal crossings. They have the power to do it, and we will implement very serious tariffs on Mexico and Canada,” he stated, underscoring the flow of drugs, including fentanyl, which he argues is pouring into the U.S. through both countries. Trump has previously suggested a 25% tariff on goods imported from these two nations as a way to address both immigration and drug trafficking concerns.
In addition to his tough stance on immigration, Trump also hinted at the potential for closer U.S.-Canada ties, though in a way that raised eyebrows. “What if Canada and the U.S. came together as one? Imagine the benefits for both countries, especially for national security,” Trump said. He pointed out that Canada, while a close ally, relies heavily on U.S. military support, and in his view, Canada should contribute more to that effort financially.
Trump also revisited his old idea of acquiring Greenland, which is currently a territory of Denmark. He expressed concern over China and Russia’s growing presence in the Arctic and other strategic locations, stressing that Greenland’s position could be key to America’s national security. “Greenland is vital for the free world,” Trump said. “We need to make sure it’s under our control to protect the Western Hemisphere from adversarial powers like China and Russia.”
These remarks quickly caught the attention of both allies and critics. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) voiced her support for the name change of the Gulf of Mexico, pledging to introduce legislation to officially rename it the “Gulf of America.” On the other hand, outgoing President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were less than receptive. Biden, in a tweet, reaffirmed the close ties between the U.S. and Canada, expressing admiration for Trudeau, who had announced his resignation after nearly a decade in office. Trudeau himself dismissed the idea of Canada ever becoming part of the U.S., calling the notion “unrealistic.”
Despite the mixed reactions, Trump’s proposals highlight a key theme of his upcoming presidency: a commitment to reshaping American foreign policy by using economic leverage and asserting the nation’s influence over its neighbors. Whether through tariffs, military alliances, or territorial ambitions, Trump aims to protect and advance America’s interests on the global stage. His stance on these issues is likely to drive the tone of his second term and set the stage for a significant policy agenda focused on national security and economic strength.