Headline:
Trump‘s Latest Controversy: Threatening to Seize Control of Panama Canal and Greenland
Subhead:
President-elect’s bold claims raise eyebrows ahead of January 2025 inauguration
Article:
In a move that has become all too typical, Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States, has once again sparked controversy with his remarks. As he prepares to take office in January 2025, Trump has made headlines by threatening to seize control of the Panama Canal and expressing interest in purchasing Greenland.
Panama Canal Standoff
Trump’s latest comments, shared via his Truth Social platform, warn that the U.S. might take over the Panama Canal if Panama fails to manage the vital waterway to the U.S.’s satisfaction. This is a remarkable statement, as it is rare for a U.S. leader to openly suggest the seizure of territory from a sovereign nation.
The Panama Canal, mainly built by the U.S., was jointly administered until 1999, when the U.S. handed full control to Panama. Trump has criticized the financial terms of this handover, claiming that the U.S. has been treated unfairly. "The money given was not a gift, but a symbol of our partnership," Trump wrote. "If these principles are not respected, we will demand the return of the Panama Canal, in full and without question."
Panama’s President, Jose Raul Mulino, has since released a video statement asserting Panama’s sovereignty over the canal, dismissing Trump’s complaints about increased fees for ships passing through as a result of market demand and operational costs.
Greenland: Not for Sale
In a separate but equally contentious remark, Trump has floated the idea of purchasing Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory. In a post announcing his intention to appoint Ken Howery, a former U.S. envoy to Sweden, as Ambassador to Denmark, Trump stated that "For purposes of national security and freedom around the world, America believes controlling and owning Greenland is an absolute necessity."
Greenland’s Prime Minister, Mute Egede, swiftly rejected Trump’s suggestion. "Greenland is ours. We are not for sale, and we will never be for sale. We cannot afford to lose the long fight for our freedom," Egede asserts.
This is not the first time Trump has expressed interest in Greenland. In 2019, he verbally explored the possibility, saying, "Strategically, it’s something we can talk about. They lose a lot of money with Denmark, and we’ll see what happens."
Serious Policy or Media Gimmick?
Trump’s provocative statements have some questioning whether these remarks are serious policy proposals or merely attention-grabbing rhetoric designed to excite his base or generate headlines. In the past, Trump has used inflammatory language to open negotiations or influence public opinion.
With his inauguration just around the corner, Trump’s comments serve as a reminder that his presidency will likely continue to be marked by bold declarations and unexpected moves. As the world watches and waits, one thing is clear: under Trump, predictability may continue to take a back seat.
(Hafidh / Hafidh)
