Which other countries should be on Trump’s shopping list? | The HillI did an interview with Times Radio in London earlier this week and all interest was focused on President-elect Donald Trump’s rhetoric on Canada, Greenland and Panama. 

AI SUMMARY:

Douglas MacKinnon’s op-ed explores Donald Trump’s recent rhetoric on acquiring countries like Greenland, Canada, and Panama, suggesting that Trump’s unconventional approach to governance blends business acumen with national security priorities. While some see Trump’s remarks as playful or rhetorical, MacKinnon argues that they reflect his outsider perspective and knack for thinking “outside the box,” drawing comparisons to historical acquisitions like the Louisiana Purchase and the purchase of Alaska.

Trump has emphasized Greenland’s strategic importance, citing concerns about Chinese and Russian activity in the region. Similarly, he has framed potential acquisitions like Canada and Panama as logical extensions of U.S. security and economic interests. MacKinnon notes Trump’s business instincts often lead him to ask, “What if we just bought it?”—a question he now applies to geopolitics.

The op-ed further speculates about other nations that could be added to Trump’s hypothetical “shopping list,” such as Cuba, Haiti, the Bahamas, Taiwan, or even North Korea, all with varying levels of national security relevance. While the idea of acquiring sovereign nations is provocative and likely infeasible, MacKinnon argues that it underscores Trump’s willingness to challenge norms and entertain ambitious ideas.

Ultimately, the piece suggests that Trump’s vision, though unconventional and controversial, highlights the need to reassess U.S. strategic priorities in an evolving geopolitical landscape. Whether seen as satire, speculation, or serious consideration, the proposal reflects Trump’s distinct approach to blending business strategy with global politics.