Donald Trump, the president-elect of the United States, declined to rule out any military or economic action on Monday as part of his stated desire for the U.S. to regain control of the Panama Canal. He also vowed to acquire Danish-controlled Greenland.

When asked at a recent press conference if he would refrain from using economic or military coercion to force changes in Panama and Greenland - Trump replied, "No, you can't be sure about either one." But I will say that we need them to ensure our economic security.

Trump made the extraordinary statement two weeks before his inauguration on Jan. 20, Washington, where he will be sworn in.

Trump has also promised to change the Gulf of Mexico's name to the Gulf of America, and he reiterated his promise to impose substantial tariffs on Mexico.

He said that the Gulf covered a large area. "'The Gulf of America. What a lovely name!"

His pledge to rename Gulf follows his earlier vow to change the name of Denali to Mount McKinley, the highest peak in North America. Former President Barack Obama renamed the Alaskan peak in honor of Native Americans.

The U.S. Board of Geographic Names usually sets the names of geographic features, but presidents have also changed them by executive order.

One day after Congress officially certified Trump's victory, Trump held his second press conference since winning the election on Nov. 5.

In 2021, the Jan. 6, certification, which is a fundamental and mostly ceremonial step mandated by the U.S. Constitution was interrupted when a mob made up of Trump supporters stormed Capitol Hill in an unsuccessful attempt to prevent President Joe Biden from beating Trump. The ceremony on Monday was held under heavy security, but it went off without incident. Steve Holland, Doina Slattery and Gram Slattery contributed additional reporting; Joseph Ax wrote the article; Howard Goller edited it.

(source: Reuters)