Trump’s Controversial Christmas Messages Target Canada, Panama, and Greenland
On Christmas Day, President-elect Donald Trump made headlines with a series of provocative messages on his social media platform, Truth Social, targeting Canada, Greenland, and the Panama Canal. In these posts, Trump suggested that the United States could take control of these regions, stirring significant controversy and backlash.
In his messages, Trump began by wishing a Merry Christmas to everyone, including the “wonderful soldiers of China, who are lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal.” He criticized the United States' lack of control over the canal, which was built by the U.S. and handed over to Panama in 1999, stating that the U.S. has invested billions in reparations without having any say in its operations. Trump threatened to reclaim control of the canal if Panama did not reduce tolls for U.S. ships, claiming that the country was “defrauding” the U.S. with exorbitant fees.
Trump also directed his ire at Canada, referring to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as “governor” and suggesting that Canada could benefit from becoming the 51st state of the U.S. He claimed that such a move would drastically reduce taxes and enhance business opportunities for Canadians. This rhetoric is not new for Trump, who has previously joked about Canada’s potential statehood during discussions with Trudeau.
Turning his attention to Greenland, Trump reiterated his interest in the territory, which he believes is vital for U.S. national security. He claimed that the people of Greenland desire U.S. presence, despite the territory’s Prime Minister, Múte Egede, firmly rejecting any notion of U.S. control, stating, “Greenland is ours and is not for sale.”
Protests Erupt in Panama Against Trump’s Remarks
In response to Trump’s comments regarding the Panama Canal, about 100 protesters gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Panama City, expressing their outrage. The demonstration, organized by construction unions and leftist groups, featured chants such as “Trump, animal, don’t touch the canal,” and slogans emphasizing Panama’s sovereignty over the canal. Protesters burned portraits of Trump and the U.S. ambassador to Panama, Mari Carmen Aponte, highlighting the strong sentiment against perceived U.S. imperialism.
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino and former leaders issued statements rejecting Trump’s claims, asserting that the canal is a sovereign territory and that the U.S. cannot lay claim to it. Mulino emphasized that the canal’s management is independent of foreign powers, dismissing Trump’s allegations of Chinese control.
The protests reflect a broader concern among Panamanians regarding U.S. interventionist rhetoric, especially in light of historical tensions surrounding the canal’s control. As Trump prepares for his presidency, his comments have not only reignited debates about U.S. foreign policy but also sparked significant backlash from the nations he targeted.
