US President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday called on NATO member states to significantly increase their defense spending. Instead of the previously intended two percent of their gross domestic product (GDP), partner countries should invest five percent in the future, the Republican said.
Trump made the demand during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. However, the US itself is currently not complying with Trump’s guidelines. According to the latest estimates, they probably amounted to 3.38 percent last year.
Military pressure on Greenland and Panama?
Moreover, at the press conference, the future American president did not rule out using the army to gain control of the Panama Canal or Greenland. When asked by a journalist if he could assure the world that he would not use military or economic coercion, Trump said: “No.”
The Republican, who will return to the White House on January 20, emphasized that he would not commit himself to this. It may be that “you have to do something”. Trump previously called Panama Canal transit costs “very unfair.” He called for control of the waterway to be returned to the United States if it was not treated fairly.
The canal – one of the world’s most important trade routes – was built by the United States in the early 20th century and controlled for a long time before gradually passing control to Panama. “The Panama Canal is of vital importance to our country. It’s run by China,” Trump complained to Mar-a-Lago.
Showed interest in Greenland several times
Trump had also repeatedly expressed interest in the island of Greenland, which belongs to Denmark. In December he said: “In the interests of national security and freedom around the world, the United States believes that possession and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity.”
Trump’s son Donald Trump Jr. is currently visiting the island – officially the trip is private in nature. Trump claimed at the press conference that we didn’t even know if Denmark had any legal claim to Greenland. “But if so, they should give it up because we need (Greenland) for national security.”
Wants to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico
Trump also spoke about other topics at the press conference, some of which he did not elaborate on. That’s why he said he wanted to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
