Trump Trolls Canada, Denmark, and Panama for Christmas but Behind the Fun He Makes Serious Points

Just because it is a season for peace on earth and goodwill towards men doesn't mean you can't mercilessly troll the vulnerable. Or, at least, that seems to be the philosophy of the Trump transition team. After taking a poke at Panama while announcing a new ambassador to that country (see Trump Doubles Down on Panama 'Ripping Off' America With New Ambassador Pick), Trump went for the 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!…

For the record, there is no evidence of Chinese soldiers operating the Panama Canal, but given the fact that China is the single largest investor in Panama, one would have to be rather dense to think that investment doesn't come without some degree of direct supervision.

The offer to make Justin Trudeau governor of the new state of Canada, assume control of the Panama Canal, and purchase Greenland recreates the meme floating around 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

Like so much else Trump says, this comes with more than a grain of truth. 

Since returning the Panama Canal to Panamanian control in 1999, we've been asleep at the switch. One of the reasons we gave it up, other than the feckless Jimmy Carter and our unreasonable desire to be liked and admired by people who will always hate us, was that US aircraft carriers and supertankers could not negotiate that waterway. When that treaty was negotiated and ratified, no one was concerned about global supply chains or China buying the Panamanian government. The Carter-Torjillos Treaty cut the US out of any voice in managing the Canal, and, as we're seeing, that may have been a blunder.

The Arctic region has become of strategic interest to China. Ice-breaker technology has made transiting it feasible, and surveys indicate the Arctic sea floor may be rich in minerals. Greenland is not defensible by Denmark militarily or diplomatically as China is actively buying its way into a position of power inside Denmark's government and economy. An outright purchase or some sort of condominium with Denmark would make a lot of sense.

Canada is nearly as moribund as Mexico. It is also a target for China's "elite capture" strategy. 

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 is difficult to see how Canada can continue on its present glide path without becoming a Chinese satellite state. There are probably as many Canadians who would jump at the chance to become US citizens and avail themselves of our political and economic freedom as there are who support the increasingly fascist rule of Trudeau and his allies.