WASHINGTON – President-elect Donald Trump is gearing up for significant policy reforms that will take effect immediately upon his inauguration, covering topics from gas stoves to plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.

During a press conference in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump emphasized his intention to reverse numerous policies established during President Biden’s term, including a newly implemented ban on offshore drilling along U.S. coasts, and to revamp the country’s foreign relations.

In addition to renewed threats against key trading allies such as Canada, Trump proposed a revised defense spending goal for NATO members, provided a new timeframe for addressing the conflict in Ukraine, and did not dismiss the idea of military intervention to gain control over the Panama Canal and Greenland.

He also indicated that the U.S. might intervene in the Middle East if Hamas does not release hostages, threatening serious repercussions if the situation is unresolved when he assumes office.

Trump’s remarks drew immediate backlash from Canadian officials, including the outgoing prime minister. The Danish prime minister reiterated on Tuesday that Greenland is not for sale and will remain a Danish territory.

Trump Expresses Annoyance at Biden’s Transition Moves

Trump has openly expressed frustration over presidential transitions and the last-minute policies enacted by President Joe Biden that conflict with the incoming administration’s plans.

The most recent action was announced on Monday – a ban on offshore oil and gas drilling – which prompted strong criticism from Trump.

During his news conference, Trump stated his disappointment with Biden’s team for complicating his transition efforts, despite promises of a smooth handover.

“This ban on offshore drilling will not be tolerated. I will overturn it immediately. It will be done right away,” declared Trump. “And we’re going to drill, baby drill.”

Trump’s Aspirations for the Panama Canal and Greenland

The focus of much of Trump’s news conference, which occurred while the remains of former President Jimmy Carter were being transported to Washington, was on national security, specifically his intent to take control of Greenland and enhance U.S. authority over the Panama Canal.

“These territories are vital for our economic security,” Trump stated. “The Panama Canal was initially developed for military purposes.”

Since 1999, Panama has governed the canal. For any treaty modifications agreed on during the Carter administration, Trump would require a two-thirds Senate majority to change, with the current Republican majority being slim at 53-47.

Trump argued at his press conference that Panamanians had “misused” what he considered a generous gift as he criticized Carter while reiterating previous concerns regarding Chinese influence over international shipping routes.

When asked about his plans for the canal and Greenland, Trump did not guarantee he would pursue non-military options, despite Greenland’s status as a Danish territory that its leaders have insisted is not for sale.

“I won’t make that commitment. We might have to take some actions,” Trump replied.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reinforced on Tuesday that Greenland is not for sale, labeling Trump’s earlier desire to purchase it as “absurd” when he brought it up in 2019.

Trump Expresses Frustration Over Hamas Situation

Former President Trump has threatened indirect military measures against Hamas, which has taken seven American hostages following their abduction in Israel on October 7, 2023.

“If they’re not returned by the time I assume office, it will unleash chaos in the Middle East. This will spell trouble for Hamas and anyone involved,” Trump remarked.

He refrained from sharing specifics, indicating that he did not wish to jeopardize ongoing negotiations for their release.

Steve Witkoff, who serves as Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East, stated during a news briefing, “The president is clearly exasperated.”

Witkoff noted that he had recently been in Doha and would be returning to Qatar on Wednesday.

He conveyed that there was progress in discussions, asserting, “I believe they fully understand the urgency of resolving this before inauguration.”

Meanwhile, Biden’s national security team is also involved in the negotiations. The White House announced on Friday that the Biden administration is committed to facilitating a resolution until its term concludes.

Plans to End Russia’s Conflict in Ukraine

Trump discussed a more extended timeframe to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which is nearly three years old as it approaches its anniversary on February 24.

“I hope six months is sufficient,” Trump stated in response to a question about resolving the issue in that timespan. “I would prefer to accomplish it even sooner.”

On the campaign trail, Trump claimed he could resolve the war within a day and suggested during a September debate that it might happen during the presidential transition. However, he clarified on Tuesday that he has not yet met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and intends to hold off until after his inauguration on January 20.

“I know Putin is eager to meet,” Trump remarked. “But I don’t find it fitting to meet before the 20th, much as I dislike it.”

While Trump has not detailed his plans to end the conflict, he has appointed Keith Kellogg as a special envoy and met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris in December.

Pressure on Allies for Defense Spending

As Trump reshapes his vision of national interests, he continues to challenge U.S. allies regarding their financial contributions to defense.

On Tuesday, Trump criticized how much the U.S. spends to safeguard Europe and Canada, reaffirming that he would impose trade penalties.

He asserted that NATO nations ought to allocate 5% of their GDP for defense, highlighting his previous success in persuading European nations to increase their military budgets during his administration.

“I secured NATO, but they have exploited us,” Trump noted.

NATO members currently agree to a minimum defense spending target of 2% of GDP, although there have been discussions about increasing this requirement. Almost all NATO members—32 in total—are projected to meet this benchmark by 2024.

Trump didn’t stop at critiquing Canada; he also jested about the nation, whose prime minister announced his resignation after facing backlash over Trump’s trade threats, suggesting it might as well become a U.S. state.

“We fundamentally defend Canada,” Trump stated. “I appreciate the Canadian people; they’re wonderful, but our country spends hundreds of billions each year on their defense.”

In response, Canada’s outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted that both nations benefit from each other’s relationship, asserting, “There’s absolutely no chance that Canada will become part of the United States.”