Tue Dec 24 08:13:56 UTC 2024: **Trump Renews Calls to Reclaim Panama Canal, Purchase Greenland**
**Washington, D.C.** – President-elect Donald Trump has reignited his controversial foreign policy stances, this time targeting the Panama Canal and Greenland. Over the weekend, Trump launched a series of social media posts criticizing the tolls charged by Panama for use of the canal, calling them “exorbitant” and demanding their reduction or the canal’s return to the United States.
Trump’s assertion that the U.S. built the canal at great cost and that the 1999 handover under the Torrijos-Carter Treaties did not grant Panama the right to charge high tolls to U.S. ships and businesses has been met with swift rebukes. Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino firmly stated that the canal is entirely Panamanian territory and that tolls reflect operational costs and infrastructure improvements. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum voiced support for Panama’s stance. Undeterred, Trump doubled down, threatening further action if Panama doesn’t comply.
This incident mirrors Trump’s previous threats toward Canada, involving potential tariffs and even the suggestion of Canada becoming a U.S. state. Trump’s rhetoric is further amplified by his renewed interest in purchasing Greenland, citing national security concerns. This proposal was similarly rejected by Greenland’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who stated the territory is not for sale.
Trump’s aggressive foreign policy pronouncements, even before his inauguration, have already drawn significant international attention and concern. The potential consequences of his actions on U.S. relations with Panama, Mexico, Canada, and Denmark remain to be seen.
First Piper 