Trump's desperate yearning for other territories, explained by a fellow yearner
yikes and eek
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My darlings, as I promised you yesterday, today we are getting back into the NEWS - and boy, is there a lot of it. I was going to write about multiple stories (as I usually do) but I got so wrapped up in Trump’s stupid yearning that I just ended up doing a special bulletin on that. Sorry! Or… You’re welcome!
But before we get all newsy in up here, I need to let you know how much I am desperate to see that horny Nicole Kidman age gap movie (Babygirl) which has not yet made it to my small town. Don’t worry though, when I see it I will let you know all my thoughts.
I also just finished reading Big Swiss, which I know is controversial (some people love it, some people hate it) and I’m sorry to say but I really adored it. It was weird which I liked, bisexual which I loved, and the perfect thing for me to read by the lake where I literally had nothing else to do.
Ok, love you, on with the news!
⊹˚. ♡.𖥔 ݁ ˖ IN THE NEWS⊹˚. ♡.𖥔 ݁ ˖
What’s up with Trump yearning for all these other territories?
I can’t even believe I’m writing this, as, like, a somewhat serious news story, but here we are! Over the break, Trump mentioned that he wanted Greenland, Canada, the Panama Canal, oh, and to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America??”
In recent days, Trump has repeatedly pushed the idea that he will take over Greenland from Denmark, reclaim the Panama Canal after the United States returned it to the Panamanian government decades ago and absorb Canada into the United States. Trump said he is keeping the option of using the military to gain control of Greenland and the Panama Canal on the table while saying he will exert “economic force” to pressure Canada to join the United States. He has also said he wants to rename the Gulf of Mexico and Denali, North America’s tallest peak.
Seems chill and not expansionist at all.
I tried with all my might to avoid learning more about these insane calls of his, but then I remembered that it’s my job to learn about it, so here I am, giving you the briefest explainer on each of these unhinged claims as I can.
Why does Trump want Greenland?
Honestly, Trump’s obsesh with Greenland isn’t new.
“A person familiar with the discussions said Trump has never given up on acquiring Greenland, which he tried to purchase during his first term for defense reasons and was rebuffed.”
Why though? Well it’s location is a huge deal for the U.S. It’s right on the quickest route between Europe and North America, which makes it super important for their missile warning system. Plus, it’s packed with resources, so Trump probs sees it as kind of a power move.
Will this actually happen?
Let’s just say, European leaders aren’t exactly hitting the panic button. Knowing Trump’s words don’t always lead to action, most are taking a "nothing to see here" approach instead of rushing to defend Denmark, a fellow EU member.
Much more in-depth analysis from Reuters here xxxx
What about Canada?
“I called him Governor Trudeau because they should be the 51st state, really. It would make a great state. And the people of Canada like it.” - Donald Trump.
Luce note: A December poll by the firm Leger found that 82% of Canadians said they didn’t like the idea.
Over the past month, Trump has made a few ‘jokes’ about Canada becoming the 51st state of the United States. Basically this all just feels like a massive troll (I know, I know, take him seriously not literally etc etc etc) but after asserting that military force wouldn’t be his weapon of choice to bring the neighbouring nation in, he did say that he’d deploy “economic force.”
Anyway, Justin Trudeau has this to say on the matter:
Ok and the Panama Canal?
Trump has long criticized former President Jimmy Carter (may he rest in peace) for returning control of the canal to Panama during his presidency, but his renewed interest stems from concerns over Chinese influence in the region. He reckons and Chinese shipping may be prioritized over American shipments.
Experts, (including former U.S. ambassadors), believe this is impractical and would strain U.S.-Panama relations. No shit.
And finally… The Gulf of Mexic America?
Trump's proposal to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America is very in line with his tendency to blend nationalist rhetoric with provocative ideas, so clap if you’re surprised about this one.
I loved the retaliation from Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum, who responded sarcastically by standing in front of a global map in one of her daily press briefings, and “proposed dryly that North America should be renamed “América Mexicana,” or “Mexican America,” because a founding document dating from 1814 that preceded Mexico’s constitution referred to it that way.”
“That sounds nice, no?” she said.
In sum:
Trump’s whole expansionist or “annexation agenda” mixes what he sees as national security concerns with his usual provocative and silly headline-grabbing ideas. Some of it could be seen to have strategy behind it, while mostly it feels like his usual trolling tactics to gain leverage or provoke allies. Not really the kind of behaviour you’d expect from the incoming leader of the ‘free’ world but hey, it’s 2025.
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I forever will be embarrassed to be an American because of this goddamn Cheeto we’ll have to call president. I wish everyday that Kamala had won or that Cascadia could be real (Washington, Oregon, and California becoming either their own small country or another Canadian province.) I wish I wish I wish.
Thanks for reporting on the tough stuff, especially since most of what he says is absolutely moronic. And, welcome back ❤️
He's not even president yet and I'm tired of having to waste brain energy thinking about him