The Young Turks - Trump's WILD Threat To TAKE BACK The Panama Canal
Donald Trump has expressed a desire for the United States to regain control of the Panama Canal, arguing that the US, as the primary user, should not pay high fees. He attributes the loss of control to treaties signed by the Carter Administration in 1977, which transferred control to Panama in 1999. Trump's comments were made at the Turning Point USA conference, where he suggested that the US is being unfairly charged. The Panamanian president responded, explaining that fees are set based on market conditions and are necessary for the canal's maintenance and expansion. This isn't Trump's first attempt to expand US holdings; he previously showed interest in purchasing Greenland from Denmark, citing strategic interests and resource availability. Critics argue that such moves are more rhetorical and unlikely to result in actual territorial changes, pointing out historical US interventions that benefited corporations rather than the public.
Key Points:
- Trump wants the US to control the Panama Canal again, citing high usage fees.
- The Panama Canal is crucial for US trade, with 72% of transits linked to US ports.
- Trump's interest in Greenland is driven by its natural resources, like copper.
- Critics highlight past US interventions that favored corporations over citizens.
- Trump's rhetoric is seen as unlikely to lead to actual territorial changes.
Details:
1. 🇺🇸 Trump's Panama Canal Ambitions and Panama's Response
1.1. Trump's Panama Canal Ambitions
1.2. Panama's Response
2. 🇬🇱 Greenland: A Strategic Interest and Historical Context
2.1. Greenland's Strategic Importance
2.2. Historical Interest in Greenland
3. 📜 Historical Precedents and Corporate Interests
- Trump's suggestion to buy Greenland or control the Panama Canal is met with immediate support from his followers, despite the lack of understanding of the implications.
- The Panama Canal is controlled by Panama, and fees are charged for its use, which is a standard practice due to the canal's ownership.
- The idea of taking back the Panama Canal through force is criticized as contradictory to anti-war stances.
- Negotiating new fees for the Panama Canal using America's leverage is suggested as a more practical approach.
- Historical purchases like Alaska and the Louisiana Purchase were initially criticized but later proved to be beneficial for the U.S.
- Concerns are raised about whether potential acquisitions like Greenland would benefit the American people or primarily serve corporate interests, as seen with oil in Alaska benefiting corporations like ExxonMobil and Chevron.
4. 🌍 Global Implications and Concerns
4.1. Historical Context and Corporate Interests
4.2. Current Geopolitical and Ethical Concerns
5. 🇵🇷 Puerto Rico and Closing Remarks
- During his first term, Trump considered selling Puerto Rico and trading it for Greenland, reflecting a transactional approach to territories.
- This idea was floated while Trump was in Puerto Rico aiding hurricane recovery, highlighting a disconnect between his actions and public statements.
- The segment concludes with a call to action for viewers to join as members to support independent and progressive media, emphasizing the importance of member support for maintaining independence from corporate influence.