Greenland, petroleum and 'all hell' in the Middle East: Highlights from Trump’s press conference at Mar-a-Lago
Explore our key insights, ranging from a new era of American imperialism to a lasting resentment toward a criminal justice system that he argues has unjustly targeted him.
TroibNews 
As Inauguration Day approaches, Donald Trump is showcasing the ambitious agenda he plans to pursue upon reclaiming the White House. During a comprehensive press conference at Mar-a-Lago on Tuesday, the president-elect outlined his vision, touching on topics ranging from renewed American imperialism to grievances about the criminal justice system he believes has unjustly targeted him. Below are the key highlights.
**‘Drill, baby, drill’**
Trump criticized President Joe Biden's recent decision to prohibit offshore drilling across 625 million acres of U.S. waters, vowing to “reverse it immediately” and adopt the “drill, baby, drill” mantra that defines his energy policy. He asserted that lowering energy costs would lead to a drop in prices for consumers overall. The White House had explained that Biden's ban, which encompasses both the East and West Coasts, parts of Alaska, and the eastern Gulf of Mexico, was prompted by an assessment of the environmental and economic risks of drilling in those areas.
“It feels like the whole ocean,” Trump remarked, insisting he would work to revoke the ban on his first day in office, potentially involving legal action. Acknowledging the challenge of reducing consumer prices, he claimed, “someone else has screwed something up,” but remained optimistic about the potential for “pretty drastic price reductions” through deregulation.
**A new age of American imperialism**
Trump reiterated his aspiration to acquire strategic territories, including the Panama Canal, Greenland, and Canada. He emphasized his desire for Greenland shortly after his son Donald Trump Jr. visited the area, though this ambition was swiftly dismissed by the Danish prime minister. Trump also criticized former President Jimmy Carter for selling the Panama Canal, stating that its status was “under discussion.”
When questioned about the use of “military or economic coercion” in these endeavors, Trump replied, “no,” indicating a reluctance to make commitments. He went on to express his belief that Canada could be brought into the U.S. fold, citing economic disparities and hinting at the possibility of utilizing “economic force.” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded firmly, declaring, “There isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States.”
**Slamming the ‘injustice department’**
Trump continued his critique of the Department of Justice, labeling it as part of a “deep state” that has targeted him through “lawfare.” He described special counsel Jack Smith as “a deranged individual” and a “nutjob,” threatening repercussions for those involved in the investigations against him. In contrast, he commended Florida federal Judge Aileen Cannon, who dismissed aspects of the Mar-a-Lago classified documents case, applauding her decision to temporarily block Smith’s final report.
“So, he wanted to do a report just before I took office, probably,” Trump noted, claiming it would mirror a “fake investigation.”
**‘All hell’ in the Middle East**
Trump stated that if the Israeli hostages held by Hamas are not returned by the time he assumes office, “all hell will break loose in the Middle East.” He remarked, “It will not be good for Hamas, and it will not be good, frankly, for anyone.” When pressed for more details, Trump insisted, “all hell will break out.”
His ties to conservative Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were evident, especially in light of the ongoing military operations in Gaza, which have resulted in significant humanitarian crises.
**Trump vs. windmills**
Turning his focus to renewable energy, Trump condemned windmills, asserting that he would aim to halt their construction altogether. He compared wind turbines to “dropping garbage on a field,” reiterating his unfounded belief that they are disrupting marine life, a claim that has been debunked by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
**Musk’s meddling**
Addressing criticism aimed at his ally Elon Musk, who has faced backlash for recent political endorsements, Trump defended Musk, saying, “He likes people … that tended to be conservative.” He maintained that he did not know the specific individuals being discussed but praised Musk as “a very smart guy” who is doing “a good job.”
Jessica Kline contributed to this report for TROIB News
**‘Drill, baby, drill’**
Trump criticized President Joe Biden's recent decision to prohibit offshore drilling across 625 million acres of U.S. waters, vowing to “reverse it immediately” and adopt the “drill, baby, drill” mantra that defines his energy policy. He asserted that lowering energy costs would lead to a drop in prices for consumers overall. The White House had explained that Biden's ban, which encompasses both the East and West Coasts, parts of Alaska, and the eastern Gulf of Mexico, was prompted by an assessment of the environmental and economic risks of drilling in those areas.
“It feels like the whole ocean,” Trump remarked, insisting he would work to revoke the ban on his first day in office, potentially involving legal action. Acknowledging the challenge of reducing consumer prices, he claimed, “someone else has screwed something up,” but remained optimistic about the potential for “pretty drastic price reductions” through deregulation.
**A new age of American imperialism**
Trump reiterated his aspiration to acquire strategic territories, including the Panama Canal, Greenland, and Canada. He emphasized his desire for Greenland shortly after his son Donald Trump Jr. visited the area, though this ambition was swiftly dismissed by the Danish prime minister. Trump also criticized former President Jimmy Carter for selling the Panama Canal, stating that its status was “under discussion.”
When questioned about the use of “military or economic coercion” in these endeavors, Trump replied, “no,” indicating a reluctance to make commitments. He went on to express his belief that Canada could be brought into the U.S. fold, citing economic disparities and hinting at the possibility of utilizing “economic force.” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded firmly, declaring, “There isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States.”
**Slamming the ‘injustice department’**
Trump continued his critique of the Department of Justice, labeling it as part of a “deep state” that has targeted him through “lawfare.” He described special counsel Jack Smith as “a deranged individual” and a “nutjob,” threatening repercussions for those involved in the investigations against him. In contrast, he commended Florida federal Judge Aileen Cannon, who dismissed aspects of the Mar-a-Lago classified documents case, applauding her decision to temporarily block Smith’s final report.
“So, he wanted to do a report just before I took office, probably,” Trump noted, claiming it would mirror a “fake investigation.”
**‘All hell’ in the Middle East**
Trump stated that if the Israeli hostages held by Hamas are not returned by the time he assumes office, “all hell will break loose in the Middle East.” He remarked, “It will not be good for Hamas, and it will not be good, frankly, for anyone.” When pressed for more details, Trump insisted, “all hell will break out.”
His ties to conservative Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were evident, especially in light of the ongoing military operations in Gaza, which have resulted in significant humanitarian crises.
**Trump vs. windmills**
Turning his focus to renewable energy, Trump condemned windmills, asserting that he would aim to halt their construction altogether. He compared wind turbines to “dropping garbage on a field,” reiterating his unfounded belief that they are disrupting marine life, a claim that has been debunked by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
**Musk’s meddling**
Addressing criticism aimed at his ally Elon Musk, who has faced backlash for recent political endorsements, Trump defended Musk, saying, “He likes people … that tended to be conservative.” He maintained that he did not know the specific individuals being discussed but praised Musk as “a very smart guy” who is doing “a good job.”
Jessica Kline contributed to this report for TROIB News
