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

When asked at a recent press conference if he could reassure the world that he wouldn't use either military or economic force to try and gain control of Greenland and the Panama Canal, Trump replied, "No, you can't be sure on those two." 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.

He reiterated that he wanted to make Canada a U.S. State and criticised American spending on Canadian products and military support for Canada as one of their closest allies.

Trump said he would impose tariffs if Denmark refused to buy Greenland from him, which he claimed is crucial to the national security of the United States. Denmark has stated that Greenland will not be sold.

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 changed Alaska's mountain name to show respect for 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.

Authorities in Mexico and Panama did not comment immediately. The Panamanian president, Jose Raul Mulino, has rejected this idea in the past.

Trump said NATO member countries should spend 5% on their gross domestic products for defense. This is a substantial increase over the current target of 2%.

He said, "I believe NATO should have 5%." "They all can afford it, but should they be at 5% instead of 2%?"

Trump has complained frequently that NATO members do not pay their fair share. He also demanded an increase in NATO defence contributions during his campaign.

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, Additional Reporting by Helen Coster; Timothy Reid, Doina Slattery, and Gram Slattery. Joseph Ax, Writing; Howard Goller, Editing.

(source: Reuters)