President Donald Trump’s second term has been marked by an increasingly aggressive posture on U.S. expansion and a sharp rejection of diplomatic norms, spurring domestic unrest, geopolitical tension, and international backlash. From his repeated declarations about annexing Greenland and Canada, to an executive order dramatically altering how U.S. elections are administered, Trump’s latest moves have reignited public debate about American exceptionalism and its role in global affairs.
Annexation Rhetoric Escalates
Despite no formal international agreements, Trump has repeatedly advocated for expanding U.S. territory. During his second term, he floated ideas of acquiring Greenland and making Canada the 51st state, often suggesting these ideas in ways critics have called performative or authoritarian.
Trump claimed Canada would benefit from U.S. annexation, writing on Truth Social in January: “If Canada merged with the U.S., there would be no Tariffs, taxes would go way down, and they would be TOTALLY SECURE from the threat of the Russian and Chinese Ships that are constantly surrounding them.” Canadian leaders rejected the idea, with then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declaring, “We will never be the 51st state.”
Vice President J.D. Vance, during a recent visit to Greenland, attempted to temper Trump’s rhetoric by emphasizing the U.S. would not pursue military action. But his remarks about Greenland needing protection from China and turning to the U.S. over Denmark were viewed by many Greenlanders as a thinly veiled threat. A local poll found only 6% supported U.S. annexation.
A recent Yahoo News poll in the United States found Americans feeling similarly about annexation.
Domestic Fallout and Protests
At home, Trump’s alignment with Elon Musk has intensified political divides. Tesla properties across the country have been targeted in protests that some officials, including U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi, labeled “domestic terrorism.” Protesters accuse Musk of exploiting his influence under Trump’s administration, where he holds an advisory role.
The decentralized “Takedown Tesla” movement has grown internationally, advocating for boycotts of Tesla products and stock divestment. In response, Trump warned on Truth Social: “People that get caught sabotaging Teslas will stand a very good chance of going to jail for up to twenty years, and that includes the funders. WE ARE LOOKING FOR YOU!!!”
Adding fuel to the controversy, Musk is now embroiled in a legal battle in Wisconsin after attempting to give $1 million checks to voters who signed a petition opposing “activist” judges, just days before a crucial Supreme Court election. State officials called the effort an illegal attempt to influence voters, but a judge declined to block the payments.
Executive Orders Disrupt Voting Systems
Trump also signed an executive order overhauling the nation’s election process ahead of the 2026 midterms. The order mandates proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote, decertifies certain voting systems, and imposes stricter deadlines.
“This creates an entirely new bureaucracy in every single state,” said David Becker, a former Justice Department lawyer. “You don’t wave a magic wand and do that.”
Critics argue the order undermines years of collaboration between state and federal agencies and could further erode trust in U.S. elections, especially if changes are implemented without sufficient public education or legal clarity.
International Aid and Contradictions
In Myanmar, where a 7.7 magnitude earthquake has killed over 1,600 people, Trump pledged U.S. assistance. However, skepticism remains over whether his administration, known for deep cuts to foreign aid, will follow through effectively.
The earthquake struck a nation already devastated by civil war, complicating rescue efforts and limiting access for international humanitarian groups. While countries like China, Russia, India and South Korea rapidly deployed resources, the U.S. role remains vague.
Some experts criticized Trump’s slow and uncertain aid response, contrasting it with his quick move to insert the U.S. into Greenland’s future. “What remains puzzling is Donald Trump’s impatience,” BBC correspondent Andrew Harding wrote. “Short of owning Greenland, America could get everything it desires and needs from this vast island without much difficulty.”
A Strategy or a Spectacle?
Whether Trump’s actions reflect a coherent geopolitical strategy or a series of headline-grabbing provocations remains up for debate. What’s clear is that the rhetoric and policies of his second term are reshaping the nation’s image, both domestically and abroad, while testing constitutional boundaries and diplomatic ties.
References
Beaumont, T. (2025, March 29). Wisconsin judge won’t stop Musk’s $1 million payments to voters. Attorney general appeals. Associated Press. https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-supreme-court-musk-million-dollar-checks-43fa79215e16c333a1079a86cb9aab08
Cassidy, C. A. (2025, March 29). Trump’s election order creates much confusion before the next federal election in 2026. Associated Press. https://apnews.com/article/trump-elections-voting-executive-order-2026-midterms-bd477e5ac8a7182f5aa01498ad79baaa
CBS News. (2025, March 29). Myanmar’s earthquake death toll jumps to more than 1,600 as search efforts continue. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c934pp6w3v6o
Christensen, L. (2025, March 21). What to know about rumors police in US are guarding Tesla dealerships amid attacks. Snopes. https://www.snopes.com/news/2025/03/21/police-tesla-attacks/
Harding, A. (2025, March 29). JD Vance’s ominous pitch to Greenland. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp3y3vdvdggo
PerryCook, T. (2025, March 18). Breaking down Trump’s threats to annex Canada. Snopes. https://www.snopes.com/news/2025/03/19/trump-canada-annex/
Snopes. (2025, March 22). 10 rumors about Trump’s stated wishes to expand the US. https://www.snopes.com/collections/trump-annex-canada-greenland-rumors/
