Trump's bold plans: Reimagining American influence abroad

Donald Trump aims to redraw the map of the Western Hemisphere, according to CNN. During an appearance at Mar-a-Lago on Tuesday, January 7th, Trump announced the "dawn of America's golden age" and repeated several controversial assertions. The plan includes:

• Acquiring Greenland from Denmark: "We need Greenland for national security purposes. People really don’t even know if Denmark has any legal right to [Greenland], but if they do they should give it up because we need it for national security. I'm talking about protecting the free world," Trump stated.
• Regaining the Panama Canal from Panama: "The Panama Canal is vital to our country. It's being operated by China. China! And we gave the Panama Canal to Panama. We didn't give it to China, and they've abused it. They've abused that gift. It should have never been made," he recalled.
• Transforming Canada into the 51st state and nominating hockey star Wayne Gretzky as a candidate for governor: "But we’re spending hundreds of billions a year to protect it. We’re spending hundreds of billions a year to take care of Canada. They don’t, essentially, have a military. They have a very small military. They rely on our military. It's all fine, but, you know, they got to pay for that. It's very unfair," Trump argued.
• Renaming the Gulf of Mexico: "We're going to be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America, which has a beautiful ring. It's appropriate. And Mexico has to stop allowing millions of people to pour into our country," he announced.

In 2019, Panama's new ambassador, Juan De Dianous, met with Donald Trump, who expressed his negative views on Panama. As reported by CNN, Trump has long criticized Jimmy Carter's decision to hand over the Panama Canal to Panama. His recent statements have sparked speculation about possible U.S. actions.

The President of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, quickly responded to Trump's words, defending the country's sovereignty. Mulino emphasized that all discussions should occur through appropriate diplomatic channels. However, Panamanian officials are concerned about the lack of direct communication with the Trump administration.

Trump is accused of using his comments as an attempt to counter China's growing influence in Latin America. The Panamanian government, troubled by the situation, stresses that the Panama Canal is fully managed by Panamanians. Panamanian authorities ensure that tolls for canal passage are consistent with international standards, CNN reports.

Donald Trump, even before assuming office as President of the USA, had already caused controversy with his statements characterized by bluntness and the 'Trump style.' According to experts, these speeches aim to lay the groundwork for future negotiations.

The President of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, firmly stated that the sovereignty of his country is not up for discussion, referring to Trump's suggestions about the Panama Canal. Experts suggest that Trump's statements stem from American companies' efforts to secure better conditions for the transit of goods.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has focused on Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific region and the threat from China, which is crucial from both security and U.S. trade interests perspectives. China is expanding its influence, among other things, through the Belt and Road Initiative, which raises American concerns.