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President-elect Donald Trump sparked fresh international controversy on Christmas Day with a series of Truth Social posts suggesting U.S. control over Canada, Greenland, and the Panama Canal.
Trump’s comments ranged from sharp criticism of foreign leaders to a revival of past territorial ambitions, drawing swift reactions from political leaders and raising eyebrows globally.
Trump began his posts with a holiday greeting, writing, “Merry Christmas to all, including to the wonderful soldiers of China, who are lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal.” He accused Panama of taking advantage of U.S. investments in the canal, which the United States helped construct over a century ago.
“The United States puts in billions of dollars in ‘repair’ money but will have absolutely nothing to say about ‘anything,’” Trump wrote.
Trump also announced his intention to nominate Kevin Marino Cabrera as U.S. ambassador to Panama, accusing the country of “ripping us off on the Panama Canal, far beyond their wildest dreams.”
Mocking Trudeau and Reviving Annexation Talk
Trump turned his attention to Canada, where he again referred to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as “governor” and suggested the United States could annex its northern neighbor.
“If Canada was to become our 51st State, their taxes would be cut by more than 60%, their businesses would immediately double in size, and they would be militarily protected like no other country anywhere in the world,” Trump wrote.
Fox News recently reported that Trump raised the idea of annexing Canada directly to Trudeau during a dinner at Mar-a-Lago. Trump also claimed he encouraged hockey legend Wayne Gretzky to run for Canadian prime minister but that Gretzky “had no interest.”
Renewed Focus on Greenland
Trump’s posts also revisited his longstanding interest in Greenland, a Danish territory. He described it as essential for U.S. national security and stated that the “people of Greenland” want the United States there.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte Egede quickly rebuffed the suggestion, stating, “Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale.” Egede added that the territory remains open to cooperation but emphasized its sovereignty.
Trump has previously floated the idea of purchasing Greenland, citing its strategic location and natural resources. His renewed interest aligns with his recent announcement to nominate Ken Howery as U.S. ambassador to Denmark.
Reactions and Fallout
The posts drew mixed reactions domestically and internationally. Critics slammed Trump’s comments as inflammatory and unrealistic, while his supporters hailed them as bold moves to prioritize American interests.
In his posts, Trump also mocked President Joe Biden as “a man who has absolutely no idea what he is doing” and sent greetings to the “radical left lunatics.”
As Trump prepares to take office, his provocative statements signal potential friction in U.S. foreign relations, especially with close allies like Canada and Denmark. Whether these comments translate into actionable policy remains uncertain, but they underscore Trump’s penchant for shaking up conventional diplomacy.
