TMTPOST -- U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has once again expressed his interest in acquiring Greenland and the Panama Canal, describing both as crucial to U.S. national security. During a recent press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Trump was asked whether he would rule out using military or economic force to take control of these territories. His response was clear: "No, I can't assure you on either of those two." Trump explained the strategic importance of both locations, emphasizing their vital role in U.S. economic security. "We need them for economic security," he stated, reiterating the significance of both Greenland and the Panama Canal for the United States. Despite Trump's remarks, both Denmark and Panama have firmly rejected any suggestion that they would relinquish control of their territories. Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, and Panama, which controls the Panama Canal, have maintained their sovereignty in the face of such proposals. Greenland's location, situated between Europe and North America, is of great strategic importance, especially for the U.S. military. It serves as a critical point for the U.S. ballistic missile warning system and provides a vantage point for monitoring waters between the island, Iceland, and Britain—vital for tracking Russian naval activity, including nuclear submarines. In addition to its strategic value, Greenland is rich in resources. A 2023 survey revealed that 25 of the 34 minerals deemed “critical raw materials” by the European Commission are found in Greenland, including key materials for electric vehicles, batteries, and renewable energy technology. Despite these resources, development has been slow due to environmental regulations and indigenous opposition. Additionally, when pressed on whether he would consider annexing Canada, Trump hinted at using "economic force" to challenge the long-standing border between the two nations. He referred to their shared border as an "artificially drawn line," and criticized imports of Canadian cars, lumber, and dairy products. The U.S.-Canada border, which is the longest in the world between two countries, was established through treaties dating back to the founding of the U.S. in the late 1700s. Trump also pointed out that the U.S. spends billions of dollars protecting Canada, further fueling his concerns over trade imbalances.