President-elect Donald Trump has reignited discussions surrounding the Panama Canal, Greenland, and even Canada as part of his America First agenda. This flurry of sentiments has sparked reactions both domestically and internationally as he prepares to take office on January 20.
Recently, Trump made headlines by reasserting his views on the Panama Canal during appearances and social media posts. Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) rallied behind Trump’s stance. He claimed, "We are going to be much more aggressive in protecting American interests with President Trump at the helm," during his appearance on Fox Business’s Varney & Co. Gimenez pointed out the strategic significance of the Canal, drawing from historical references to Imperial Japan’s wartime ambitions to dismantle it, and warned of China’s growing influence over Panama.
Gimenez reiterated the importance of the Canal, stressing, "If China’s influence is allowed to continue, it would take us two to three weeks longer to get our ships around South America." He cited concerns over infrastructure originally built and paid for by American resources, noting, "We have reports of the Chinese trying to buy influence not only in Panama but throughout Latin America." There seems to be rising apprehension among some U.S. lawmakers over Chinese interests encroaching on previously American-controlled territory.
Trump himself suggested the U.S. could «retake» control of the Panama Canal if shipping costs remained high. This proclamation fanned the flames of controversy, evoking historical memories of U.S. administration of the canal prior to 1999 when control was handed over to Panama. The incoming president shared on social media, “If the principles of this magnanimous gesture of giving are not followed, then we will demand... the Panama Canal be returned to the United States of America.” Notably, Trump claimed current fees were unfair and ‘ridiculous,’ implying the U.S. has been taken advantage of.
The Panamanian President, José Raúl Mulino, was swift to counter Trump's assertions, retorting, “The canal is Panamanian and belongs to Panamanians.” He emphasized there was no room for discussion, reflecting strong national pride and firmly closing the door on any negotiations. Mulino stated, “There’s no possibility of opening any kind of conversation around this reality.”
Yet, Trump's rhetoric is not only focused on Panama. He recently renewed his interests concerning Greenland, which he hopes to have the U.S. acquire from Denmark. Trump wrote, “For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels... the ownership of Greenland is absolutely necessary.” He has repeatedly expressed desires for Greenland since his first term, prompting considerable backlash both domestically and from Danish officials.
Greenland's Prime Minister, Múte Bourup Egede, responded by emphasizing the territory's sovereignty, firmly stating, “Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale.” This resolute defense follows earlier rejections of Trump’s purchase proposal back during his first term, and the latest wave of comments has reignited tensions between the two nations. Danish officials also responded, reitering their commitment to working together, remarking about their unwavering stance on Greenland’s autonomy.
Trump didn’t stop there; he also made statements about Canada, humorously referring to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the “governor” of the “Great State of Canada.” Amid his musings, Trump suggested Canada could potentially become the 51st state, rhetoric intensifying as he voiced dissatisfaction with current trade relations and prior agreements. Political science professor Stephen Farnsworth noted Trump’s approach mirrors aggressive negotiation tactics, arguing, “You ask something unreasonable and it's more likely you can get something less unreasonable.”
Despite the lightheartedness surrounding these claims, there is significant underlying concern from Canada, Denmark, and Panama over Trump's intent. Mulino emphasized the gravity of U.S. claims, expressing, “If there is an intention to talk, then there’s nothing to talk about.” Canadian officials and citizens are wary of his statements about statehood, noting they are categorically improbable.
These declarations continue to materialize as Trump prepares to take the reins of the country again, with protests erupting against these sentiments. Demonstrators gathered outside the U.S. embassy in Panama City, infuriated by Trump's canal comments, chanting, “Trump, animal, leave the canal alone!” The protest's energy reflected growing concerns about U.S. sovereignty claims, as Panamanians reaffirmed their commitment to their control over the canal.
Trump’s ambitious and often controversial statements promise to shake up established international relations. With both criticism and enthusiasm surrounding his remarks, the impact on U.S. diplomatic relations as he settles back in office remains to be witnessed. Will Trump's aggressive claims reshape the nature of cooperation with allied nations? Time will certainly tell, but for now, the world watches eagerly as the incoming administration prepares for big changes.
