President-elect Donald Trump held a wide-ranging press conference at Mar-a-Lago on January 7, 2025, where he outlined ambitious plans for U.S. territorial expansion, economic reforms, and energy policies.
According to the sources of Leaders team, his remarks offered a glimpse into his vision for his upcoming presidency, marking a sharp departure from recent U.S. foreign policy approaches.
Territorial Expansion
Trump floated the idea of incorporating Greenland into the United States, refusing to rule out military or economic force to achieve the goal. He also criticized Denmark’s control of Greenland, suggesting its residents could vote for independence or statehood. Similarly, he expressed interest in retaking control of the Panama Canal, citing its importance for national security and economic stability.
“These moves would protect the free world and strengthen our position,” Trump declared, emphasizing the strategic value of the territories.
Policy Shifts on North America
As per the reports of Leaders team, Trump proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” and hinted at steep tariffs against Canada and Mexico if they fail to address undocumented immigration. He also raised the possibility of turning Canada into the 51st U.S. state through economic measures.
Energy and Environmental Policies
A vocal critic of wind energy, Trump reiterated his opposition, claiming windmills are harmful to the environment and wildlife. He also criticized recent energy regulations, including Biden’s offshore drilling restrictions, pledging to reverse them and expand drilling.
Criticism of Biden Administration
Trump accused the Biden administration of making the transition process “as difficult as possible” and obstructing reforms. He specifically criticized Biden’s executive action to ban offshore drilling in certain areas, vowing to overturn it.
International Relations and Investments
Trump opened the press conference by announcing a $20 billion investment from Emirati billionaire Hussain Sajwani to build data centers across the U.S., crediting his election victory for the deal.
Praise and Criticisms
The president-elect praised Judge Aileen Cannon for blocking the release of special counsel Jack Smith’s report on investigations into Trump, while sharply criticizing Smith as “deranged.” Trump also took a swipe at former President Jimmy Carter’s 1977 agreement handing over the Panama Canal, labeling it a “terrible deal.”
Other Highlights
Trump issued a strong warning to Hamas, demanding the release of hostages kidnapped during the October 2023 attack on Israel. He also expressed approval for Meta’s recent decision to replace fact-checkers with community-generated notes on Facebook and Instagram, claiming the company had “come a long way.”
With bold ambitions for territorial expansion, economic reform, and environmental policy, Trump’s press conference signaled significant changes ahead for the U.S.
