Donald Trump is once again dominating headlines, but this time, his statements have caused global unease. Weeks before his potential return to the White House, the former president has sparked a heated debate by calling for U.S. control over Greenland, the Panama Canal, and even Canada. Labeling these regions as “critical to America’s economic and defense security,” Trump’s remarks have raised the question: Are these aspirations genuine or merely political rhetoric?

The Panama Canal: A Lifeline of Trade and Defense

The Panama Canal, a pivotal waterway connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, has been central to global trade since its inception. While the U.S. handed over control of the canal to Panama in 1999, American cargo still constitutes 72% of its traffic.

Strategically, the canal is vital for reducing maritime travel distances by thousands of miles, enabling faster and more cost-effective shipping. It also plays a crucial role in U.S. military logistics, allowing naval forces to be deployed rapidly between the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. Trump alleges that China’s growing influence over the canal poses a threat to U.S. security. He claims........

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