Taking back the Panama Canal comes to mind.

It seems to me that he really wants to do some empire building, but hasn't figured out a way that people would actually accept (and isn't interested in the modern version of treaty based "empires").

In fairness, the US paid for the Panama Canal and have continued to sustain it despite no "ownership".

Panama is only relevant because of the US investment in the Canal and they claim ownership when it suits them and then cry poverty every time investments need to be made.

Panama is currently playing with fire by courting foreign interest that doesn't align with the US, who are effectively their paymasters.

It's not a sudden "empire-building" move by the US. The fact that the canal exists at all has always been because of the US Empire. Panama is playing a dangerous game of FA&FO.

You can replace Panama with Ukraine, or Taiwan. The double standard is getting out of control. Respect for Trump for laying it as it is without all the BS.

To me, the canal thing is the only thing he's mentioned that is possible. There's a stipulation that does allow for that, just like there's a stipulation that the crown can do away with parliament in the UK. Doesn't mean it's an unlikely provision to be invoked without a lot of negative baggage to the point they are not likely to happen.

Trump is just throwing out every threat he can. There's simply no realistic way to unilaterally take Canada, or the canal, or Greenland.

Greenland actually makes a lot of sense. I think if every citizen there was offered $5million they’d vote yes. And it’s entirely reasonable from the USA perspective as it’s not that much overall for the US.

Probably wouldn’t make a state but treat like Puerto Rico where they continue to self govern and citizens can freely move to the USA as they’d have USA passports.

For USA very strategic naval passages and mineral extraction.

It’s not that crazy really and I think there’s a deal that’s mutually beneficial where everyone wins and is better off long term.

Normal people would try to negotiate trade relations. Megalomaniacs would decide to just take something even if they try to soften the taking with money.

The USA bought stolen land from those that stole it. People often forget about that fact.

100% of land in the history of humanity has been either bought or stolen. What exactly is your point?

> I think if every citizen there was offered $5million they’d vote yes. And it’s entirely reasonable from the USA perspective as it’s not that much overall for the US.

That's almost $300 billion dollars?

A pittance

Is it, though?

More than made up for in 'savings' from killing off Medicare. But realistically, you don't really need to balance a budget sheet when you can just print more of that principle currency on demand.

On top of the suspected tax cuts to boot

China buying the US actually makes a lot of sense. I think if every citizen there was offered $5million they’d vote yes.

They could try for form an offer but I simply don't think they have the money to do it.