Staff Reports
As the holiday season unfolds, President-elect Trump is busy making a list, checking it twice, and pulling some cheeky international moves that are raising eyebrows across the globe. In a festive twist on diplomacy, he wished a Merry Christmas to everyone, including those “wonderful soldiers of China” who, according to him, are “lovingly but illegally” operating in the Panama Canal. While Panama quickly denied such claims, local chatter suggests that Trump’s antics might be more about sparking conversation than actual international intrigue. He is keen on reclaiming what many see as a key waterway that America built before handing control over in the 1970s. Tensions are brewing, and they come with Trump’s unique blend of bravado and comedy.
In Trump’s Christmas message, he took a jab at Panama, highlighting how the U.S. is being “ripped off” by the canal’s fees. The president-elect feels that these charges are not just unfair but a complete injustice—especially given America’s prior generosity to the country. For him, the Panama Canal isn’t merely a waterway; it represents a symbol of America’s past greatness and its right to reclaim that power. It seems Trump believes that taking a decisive stance on these issues is just an extension of his business savvy, one that he has proudly flaunted in the past through his so-called “Art of the Deal.”
But the playful banter with Panama wasn’t the only highlight of his holiday cheer. Trump also teased Canada by offering a hilarious 60% tax cut to become the 51st state of the U.S. One can only imagine the reaction from Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau—who might be shaking his head in disbelief rather than planning a celebratory parade. Adding to the fun, Trump cheekily suggested that hockey legend Wayne Gretzky run for “Governor of Canada,” making it crystal clear that he’s not just aiming for a good laugh but also presenting an intriguing political proposition to our northern neighbors.
When it comes to Greenland, the stakes seem higher. Concerns about Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic have led Trump to suggest that Greenland needs to strengthen its ties with the U.S. For Trump, this is less about buying Greenland (again!) and more about boosting America’s national security in a region poised for growing resource conflicts. He sees potential threats in concerted efforts from countries like China, which claim to be “near-Arctic” nations while trying to stake a claim far outside their geographical nature. Underneath all the humor might be serious undertones about strategic positioning in a constantly evolving international landscape.
While critics of Trump might chuckle and shake their heads, the truth is that humor often goes hand in hand with strategy when it comes to political messaging. The president-elect seems to have a deft way of merging the two, drawing attention to issues that matter but doing so in his signature flamboyant style. Whether it’s tugging at the strings of comedy or rooting for serious national issues, Trump’s playful speeches are designed to get people talking—not just in the U.S., but around the world.
As the festive season continues, who knows what other lighthearted jests or serious proposals Trump might unveil? Amid a holiday rush, one thing is certain: with Trump at the helm, it’s bound to be a merry and unpredictable ride on the diplomatic front. And as we all like to say during this time of year, let’s just hope the sleigh has enough room to hold all the whimsical ideas he can pack in.
