"China's Illegal Operation of the Panama Canal"
Both China and Panama Criticize
"Trudeau Governor" Mentioned Again to Pressure Canada
Denmark Provokes Again Over Greenland Ownership
Biden Also Criticized for 'Commuting Death Row Prisoners' Sentences'
Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States set to take office in January next year, unleashed a barrage of direct messages targeting China, Panama, Canada, Denmark, and others on Christmas Day, December 25 (local time). He labeled his political opponents, including the Democrats, as "the Radical Left Lunatics," and strongly criticized President Joe Biden's commutation of death row inmates.
On that day, Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social, which he created, saying, "I hope everyone, including the great Chinese soldiers, has a Merry Christmas." He added, "The Chinese soldiers affectionately but illegally operate the Panama Canal," and said, "This canal is where 38,000 Americans died during its construction 110 years ago, and although the U.S. pours billions of dollars into maintenance costs, they say nothing."
Earlier, Trump had claimed that the Panama Canal tolls were too high and mentioned reclaiming control of the canal, which was handed over to Panama in 1977. His mention of China in the Panama issue that day is analyzed as a statement targeting both the Panamanian and Chinese governments. Panama severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan and formally established relations with China in 2017 with full support from China, raising concerns within the U.S. about China's expanding influence in the region.
On the same day, Trump nominated Kevin Marino Cabrera as the U.S. ambassador to Panama. Cabrera was responsible for Florida at the Republican National Committee (RNC) and served as the Florida branch secretary and senior national Hispanic advisor for the pro-Trump think tank America First Policy Institute (AFPI).
Trump also continued to pressure Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He wrote, "I send Christmas greetings to Justin Trudeau, the 'Governor' of Canada," adding, "Canadian citizens pay very high taxes, but if Canada became our 51st state, taxes would drop by more than 60%, their businesses would instantly double in size, and they would receive powerful military protection unlike any other country in the world."
Previously, Trump had stated that if Canada failed to resolve issues related to illegal immigration, drugs, and trade deficits, he would impose a 25% tariff on Canadian imports. Since then, he has escalated pressure by referring to Canada as a U.S. 'state' and Prime Minister Trudeau, an allied leader, as a 'governor,' committing serious diplomatic faux pas. He also confirmed a meeting with Canadian ice hockey legend Wayne Gretzky and said he encouraged him to run for the 'soon-to-be governor' position of Canada.
Trump reaffirmed his stance on Greenland, which he expressed interest in purchasing again after his first term. He said, "Merry Christmas to the people of Greenland who want the U.S. to be there and for the sake of U.S. national security," provoking Denmark, which owns Greenland. Denmark has strongly opposed Trump's actions and announced plans to significantly increase defense spending for Greenland.
Additionally, Trump unleashed criticism targeting the Democrats and President Biden. He wrote, "The Radical Left Lunatics constantly try to disrupt our judicial system and elections," adding, "They always chase and attack great American citizens and patriots, including me, their political opponent." He continued, "Their only chance of survival is to be pardoned by someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing," criticizing, "Thirty-seven brutal criminals who committed murder, rape, and looting were pardoned by 'Sleepy Joe' (Joe Biden)." This was a condemnation of Biden, who opposes the death penalty and recently commuted 37 of 40 federal death row inmates to life imprisonment without parole. Trump wrote, "To those lucky 'souls,' instead of Christmas greetings, I say 'Go to hell!'"
Finally, Trump emphasized, "We had the greatest election in our country's history," adding, "A bright light shines on America, and in 26 days, we will make America great again. Merry Christmas!"
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