Trump Appoints Cabrera Ambassador Amid Panama Canal Debate \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Donald Trump has appointed Kevin Marino Cabrera as US ambassador to Panama while criticizing Panama’s handling of canal tolls. Trump suggested US control over the Panama Canal and proposed territorial expansions involving Canada and Greenland. His social media posts included sharp political messages, controversial policy hints, and Christmas wishes to critics.
Panama Canal and US Expansion: Quick Look
- Ambassador Appointment: Miami-Dade Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera was chosen as the US ambassador to Panama.
- Canal Controversy: Trump criticized Panama for overcharging US ships and floated the idea of US control of the canal.
- Territorial Expansion: He suggested that Canada and Greenland could become part of the US.
- Chinese Influence Claim: Trump accused China of operating the Panama Canal illegally.
- Christmas Messages: Social media posts mixed holiday greetings with sharp political criticisms.
- Death Penalty Remarks: Trump criticized Biden’s commutation of federal death row sentences, pledging to reinstate harsher penalties.
Deep Look
Trump’s public statements have focused on the Panama Canal’s operations, which he described as exploitative toward American vessels. He claimed Panama is “ripping us off” with high tolls charged to US ships passing through the critical waterway. Trump went further, suggesting that the United States should assert control over the canal, a stance that sparked significant debate.
Ambassador Appointment Amid Tensions
Panama Canal Controversy
The Panama Canal, completed over a century ago with significant American investment and sacrifice, remains a linchpin for global maritime trade. Trump has criticized the fees charged to US ships and claimed that Panama has profited disproportionately from the canal’s operations.
In a dramatic twist, Trump alleged that Chinese soldiers are illegally operating parts of the canal. While providing no concrete evidence to support the claim, he referenced the history of US involvement in its construction, noting the loss of 38,000 lives during the effort. On his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “Merry Christmas to all, including to the wonderful soldiers of China, who are lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal.”
Proposals for Territorial Expansion
Trump’s criticism of the Panama Canal was not the only bold idea he floated. In social media posts and public remarks, he suggested that Canada and Greenland should be absorbed into the United States. Referring to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as a “governor,” Trump implied that Canada could become the 51st state. He further claimed that Greenlanders were eager for US involvement, saying, “The citizens of Greenland want the US to be there, and we will.”
Greenland, an autonomous territory under Denmark, has previously been a subject of Trump’s interest. In 2019, he proposed purchasing the territory, sparking a diplomatic spat with Denmark. These new comments suggest Trump remains keen on the idea, positioning it as part of a larger strategy to expand American influence.
Christmas Messages With Sharp Edges
Trump’s Christmas posts on social media were a mix of holiday wishes and fiery political commentary. Beyond his remarks on the Panama Canal and territorial expansion, he used the occasion to criticize political opponents. “Merry Christmas to the Radical Left Lunatics,” he wrote, targeting his usual adversaries.
He also turned his attention to President Joe Biden’s recent commutation of 37 federal death row inmates. In a scathing comment, Trump refused to extend holiday greetings to the inmates, stating, “GO TO HELL!” The statement underscores his stance on capital punishment, which he vowed to reinstate with vigor once in office. “I will direct my Department of Justice to vigorously pursue the death penalty,” he added, sharply criticizing Biden’s decision to leave only three inmates on death row.
Policy or Posturing?
The suggestion to take control of the Panama Canal could be interpreted as a pressure tactic to negotiate lower tolls for American ships. Similarly, his comments about Canada and Greenland may be part of a broader strategy to assert leverage in trade and geopolitical discussions.
Nonetheless, Trump’s rhetoric highlights his consistent approach to governance—leveraging bold, sometimes provocative statements to reshape the narrative and advance his agenda. As his presidency looms, these remarks suggest that his administration will prioritize America’s strategic interests with a focus on renegotiating international agreements.
A Controversial Start
The controversy surrounding the Panama Canal and Trump’s broader expansionist rhetoric underscores the challenges and unpredictability of his forthcoming presidency.
Trump Appoints Cabrera Trump Appoints Cabrera
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