President-elect Donald Trump took to Truth Social this Christmas to share a message that reaffirmed his firm positions on key foreign policy issues—and offered strong words for his political opponents.
In a post aimed at supporters, Trump spoke directly to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Greenland, China, and even the 37 federal death row inmates whose sentences were commuted by President Joe Biden.
“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),” Trump began.
He reiterated his call to resecure the canal, suggesting the United States should not be paying “billions for repairs without getting a say in anything.” Many Republican lawmakers, such as Sen. Marco Rubio, have voiced concerns over the growing Chinese presence in the region.
Trump then named Kevin Marino Cabrera—Miami-Dade County commissioner and vice chairman of the International Trade Consortium—as his pick for U.S. Ambassador to Panama. “Few understand Latin American politics as well as Kevin,” Trump wrote. “He will do a fantastic job representing our Nation’s interests in Panama!”
Turning north, Trump directed a “Merry Christmas” to Canada’s prime minister, whom he repeatedly referred to as “Governor Justin Trudeau.” He proposed that Canada join the United States as the 51st state, claiming, “If Canada was to become our 51st State, their Taxes would be cut by more than 60 percent, their businesses would immediately double in size, and they would be militarily protected like no other Country anywhere in the World.” He also floated hockey legend Wayne Gretzky as a potential prime minister of Canada.
Meanwhile, Trump extended warm wishes to Greenland, stating that its residents would welcome increased American involvement for national security reasons. Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen recently announced a $1.5 billion defense package for Greenland, calling the timing “ironic” given Trump’s comments.
The president-elect saved his most scathing remarks for the 37 federal death row inmates whose sentences were commuted by Biden, declaring, “I refuse to wish a Merry Christmas … but, instead, will say, go to hell!” He concluded by praising what he called the “Greatest Election in the History of our Country,” and looked ahead to his upcoming inauguration. “A bright light is now shining over the U.S.A., and, in 26 days, we will make America great again. Merry Christmas!”