Donald Trump is back in the White House, and already, it’s chaos. He has taken the idea that presidents can’t be criminally prosecuted to heart, leading to questions like, “Can he do that?” The Supreme Court has already ruled that nothing a president does in his official capacity can be criminal, so the short answer is yes. Thanks, Chief Justice Roberts.

Trump’s Territorial Ambitions: Greenland, Panama, and Canada

On the campaign trail, Trump expressed his desire to expand America’s territory. He talked about buying or annexing Greenland, taking back the Panama Canal, and even joked about making Canada the 51st state. While these ideas may seem far-fetched, the question remains: can he actually do it?

The President’s Power to Order Military Action

In theory, only Congress can declare war under Article 1, Section 8, Clause 11 of the Constitution. However, Article II, Section 2 designates the President as Commander in Chief of the military. This tension between the executive and legislative branches has led to presidents often acting first and seeking approval later, as seen in conflicts like Vietnam and Syria.

The War Powers Act and Its Limitations

Congress passed the War Powers Act in 1973 to ensure collective judgment in deploying U.S. forces. However, modern presidents, including Obama and Trump, have routinely disregarded this law, conducting military operations without prior congressional approval. This raises concerns about whether Trump could unilaterally order military actions to annex territories.

Greenland: A Real Estate Deal or National Security?

Trump has long been fixated on Greenland, viewing it as a strategic asset. In 2019, he floated the idea of buying it from Denmark, but Greenlanders and Danish leaders rejected the proposal. Trump’s interest in Greenland is driven by its mineral resources and strategic location, but the island’s residents have made it clear they are not interested in becoming part of the U.S.

The Panama Canal: A History of U.S. Control

The Panama Canal has been a focal point of U.S. foreign policy since its construction. Trump has claimed that the U.S. was treated unfairly when it handed control of the canal to Panama in 1999. However, the Torrijos-Carter Treaty, ratified by Congress, legally transferred control to Panama. Trump’s threats to take it back violate international law and treaty obligations.

Canada: The 51st State?

Trump has joked about annexing Canada, even suggesting economic measures to force the issue. However, Canada is a close ally and NATO member, making such actions not only illegal but also diplomatically disastrous. Canadian leaders have dismissed the idea as ridiculous, and any attempt to impose tariffs would likely result in retaliatory measures.

The Role of the Military in Trump’s Plans

If Trump orders the military to invade another country or annex territory, there is little to stop him. The Secretary of Defense has shown reluctance to push back against illegal orders, and Congress has historically been slow to check presidential overreach in military matters. This raises concerns about the potential for unchecked executive power.

International Law and Treaty Obligations

Annexing territories like Greenland or taking control of the Panama Canal would violate international law and U.S. treaty obligations. The U.N. Charter prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity of any state, and the U.S. has long been a proponent of this principle. Trump’s actions would undermine global stability and U.S. credibility.

Final Thoughts: The Limits of Presidential Power

While Trump’s territorial ambitions may seem extreme, the real question is whether he can act on them without consequences. The answer lies in the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches, as well as the willingness of military and diplomatic leaders to uphold the rule of law. The world will be watching to see how far Trump can push the boundaries of presidential authority.