Even during the season of peace and goodwill, the Trump transition team seems to have embraced a philosophy of relentless trolling. After taking a jab at Panama while announcing a new ambassador to the country (see Trump Doubles Down on Panama ‘Ripping Off’ America With New Ambassador Pick), Trump set his sights on a broader target, completing a trifecta.
Merry Christmas to all, including to the wonderful soldiers of China, who are lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal (where we lost 38,000 people in its building 110 years ago), always making certain that the United States puts in Billions of Dollars in “repair” money, but will have absolutely nothing to say about “anything.” Also, to Governor Justin Trudeau of Canada, whose Citizens’ Taxes are far too high, but 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. Likewise, to the people of Greenland, which is needed by the United States for National Security purposes and, who want the U.S. to be there, and we will!…
To clarify, there is no evidence of Chinese soldiers operating the Panama Canal. However, considering that China is the largest investor in Panama, it would be naive to assume that such investments come without a level of oversight or influence.
The suggestion of making Justin Trudeau the governor of the new state of Canada, taking control of the Panama Canal, and purchasing Greenland mirrors a meme that circulated earlier this week.
Donald Trump looking at a meme on his phone of the U.S. buying Canada, Greenland and Panama on Amazon pic.twitter.com/Ro0uTrdMQb
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) December 24, 2024
As with much of what Trump says, there is a kernel of truth in his remarks.
Since the Panama Canal was handed over to Panamanian control in 1999, the U.S. has largely neglected its strategic importance. One of the main reasons for relinquishing control—aside from Jimmy Carter’s misguided policies and an impractical desire for international approval—was the inability of U.S. aircraft carriers and supertankers to navigate the canal. At the time the Carter-Torrijos Treaty was negotiated and ratified, concerns about global supply chains or China’s growing influence in Panama were not on the radar. The treaty effectively excluded the U.S. from any role in managing the canal, a decision that, in hindsight, may have been a serious misstep.
Meanwhile, the Arctic has become a strategic focus for China. Advances in icebreaker technology have made Arctic navigation viable, and surveys suggest the region’s sea floor is rich in valuable minerals. Greenland, under Denmark’s control, is vulnerable both militarily and diplomatically. As China expands its economic and political influence within Denmark, an outright purchase of Greenland or a cooperative arrangement with Denmark could be a pragmatic move for U.S. interests.
Similarly, Canada faces challenges akin to Mexico, with its institutions increasingly vulnerable to China’s “elite capture” strategy, further underscoring its strategic importance.
There have been allegations and evidence of Chinese interference in Canadian elections, with reports suggesting that China has supported candidates perceived as favorable to Beijing, particularly in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections. These activities include clandestine funding, influencing nomination contests, and targeting diaspora communities.
Culturally and economically, it’s hard to envision Canada maintaining its current trajectory without risking becoming a satellite state of China. Many Canadians would likely welcome the opportunity to become U.S. citizens and enjoy greater political and economic freedoms, while others continue to support the increasingly authoritarian governance of Trudeau and his allies.
