Can the Philippines be found on Trump’s Map of Ambitions?
Donald Trump, the real estate mogul-turned-politician, returned to the U.S. presidency after a four-year break, setting a record as the oldest president ever to hold office. Back in power, his focus has shifted to expanding the nation’s influence by acquiring new territories, beginning with Greenland, which he views as strategically vital due to its location and rich natural resources. He has also proposed the idea of Canada becoming the 51st state, stressing the potential benefits for both nations. Meanwhile, rumors circulating on social media suggest that Trump may target other regions, including Panama, the Gulf of Mexico, and even the Philippines, a former U.S. colony. While some dismiss these ambitions as mere fantasy, Trump remains resolute, driven by his bold vision and relentless pursuit of new opportunities.
Greenland and Canada have long been strategically important due to their proximity to Russia and their access to the emerging trans-Arctic trade route. However, the war in Ukraine has revealed a shift in global power dynamics, with Russia’s influence waning and China emerging as a more significant threat to the U.S. This prompts a crucial question: Is Trump eyeing territories closer to China? While the U.S. already maintains strong alliances with nations like Japan and South Korea, Trump’s continued interest in Greenland and Canada suggests his ambitions may go beyond just security, seeking broader strategic objectives. Trump’s strategy seems to revolve around securing regions that provide both strategic advantages and increased global influence for the U.S. As part of this broader vision, he may turn his attention to territories closer to China. Enter the Philippines: strategically positioned in the Asia-Pacific and just off China’s shores, it remains one of the most Americanized countries in the region due to its history as a former U.S. colony. The Philippines could play a significant role in Trump’s long-term plans.
Filipinos hold the distinction of being the oldest Asian ethnic group in the Americas, a legacy shaped by their arrival on North American shores more than four centuries ago. Filipino sailors, who made their way across the vast Pacific, were the first Asians to step onto what is now U.S. territory, reaching Morro Bay, California, as early as 1587. In 1763, a group of Filipinos established the first permanent settlement in Louisiana, giving rise to the Manilamen, a community whose members would later distinguish themselves in one of the most pivotal moments in American history. During the War of 1812, they fought alongside Americans in the Battle of New Orleans, their contributions a quiet but significant part of the nation’s struggle against the British Empire.
The American state of Texas, once part of Spanish territory, was once christened “New Philippines” by the Spanish themselves. This name was not born of affection but of ambition—a vision of replicating the prosperity they had fostered in the Philippines on this side of the world. In 1898, the Philippine Revolution, inspired by the ideals of the French and American revolutions, reverberated with a demand for independence from Spanish rule. What followed was the United States’ acquisition of the Philippines through the Treaty of Paris, an act that set in motion not just the purchase, but the military invasion that would dismantle the nascent First Philippine Republic. The subsequent Philippine–American War would see the dissolution of Filipino sovereignty, and for all but a brief period of Japanese occupation from 1942 to 1945, the archipelago would remain under U.S. governance until 1946.
Since the Philippines gained independence, the relationship between the country and the United States has remained strong, with deep ties across almost every sector. As one of the U.S.’s oldest partners in Asia and a crucial non-NATO ally, the Philippines holds significant strategic value. Unlike many former colonies, the Philippines has consistently maintained a positive view of the U.S., with surveys showing strong support over the years. This enduring favorability positions the Philippines as both a valuable ally and a potentially appealing candidate for annexation under Trump’s strategy.
While the two nations share many cultural and historical connections, the idea of merging them would not be easily accepted by all. Though one could argue that such a move could lead to a stronger economy, better infrastructure, and more efficient governance, the political realities make this unlikely. The Philippines has one of the most corrupt political landscapes, dominated by powerful dynasties, where fair democratic processes often struggle. Therefore, Philippine politics would most likely reject any attempt to join the United States.
A move to annex the Philippines would undoubtedly strengthen the U.S.’s influence in Asia, with a developed Philippines potentially playing a more prominent role in regional affairs. However, unlike Greenland and Canada, the Philippines lacks substantial natural resources, and its much larger population presents distinct challenges. Additionally, such a significant shift could attract accusations of recolonization, making it unpopular globally. While the possibility remains unlikely, it is not entirely out of the question—Donald Trump has a history of pursuing unconventional moves.
