AceShowbiz - Former Trump national security advisor Robert O'Brien, appearing on FNC's "Sunday Morning Futures," explained the motivations behind Donald Trump's desire to acquire Greenland and control the Panama Canal. Both targets have strongly opposed any potential takeovers.

Regarding Greenland, O'Brien highlighted its strategic location and potential resources, as well as the need for Denmark to defend the territory or cede it to the U.S.. "We're not going to defend it for free and not develop Greenland and not extract the minerals and oil and resources of Greenland," he stated.

On the Panama Canal, O'Brien expressed concerns about China's growing influence at the ports on both ends and the high fees charged to American shippers. "They can't charge exorbitant prices...and they can't let the Chinese have access to both ends of the canal," he said. "They can get with the program, or we may have to take the canal back."

O'Brien emphasized that Greenland and the canal are crucial to U.S. national security and that the U.S. should not provide free defense without compensation. Amidst concerns about climate change opening up new shipping routes in the Arctic, Greenland has become increasingly valuable.

However, Greenland's prime minister, Mute Egede, has reiterated that the island is not for sale. Similarly, Panama's president, Jose Raul Mulino, has dismissed Trump's threats, stating that every square meter of the canal remains in Panamanian hands.

Despite the pushback, O'Brien believes that Trump is serious about his plans, citing the president's renewed emphasis on national security and the need for control over strategic assets. "It's no more free riding, even for people we love like the Danes," he concluded.