Panama and Greenland react to Trump, ‘We are not for sale’

Donald Trump’s statements about taking back the Panama Canal and returning Greenland to US control have sparked international backlash. While Greenland said “We are not for sale,” the Panamanian people took to the streets to defend their sovereign rights.

US President-elect Donald Trump’s claims that he could demand the return of the Panama Canal to the US and that control of the autonomous Danish region of Greenland is an “absolute necessity” for the US have drawn harsh reactions from Greenland and Panama.

Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede reacted to Trump’s statements in a written statement. Egede emphasized that Greenland is not for sale with the following words:
“Greenland is ours. It is not for sale and will never be for sale. We must never lose our long struggle for our freedom.”

Trump’s statements regarding the Panama Canal caused great anger in the country. Led by the National Union of Workers in Construction and Related Industries (Suntracs), one of Panama’s most powerful unions, the people took to the streets and burned US flags and Trump posters. During the demonstrations, strong messages were given in front of the Panamanian Parliament to protect sovereign rights.

“We unequivocally reject Donald Trump’s threats. The Panama Canal belongs to the Panamanians. We are fully committed to protecting our sovereignty and our canal.”

Colombian President Gustavo Petro, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and the Venezuelan government said Panama’s sovereign rights over the canal must be respected. Messages of solidarity from leaders in the region supported the Panamanian government.

Panamanian President Jose Raul Murillo thanked the international community in a statement on his social media account and gave the following message:

“On behalf of all Panamanians, we are grateful for the messages of solidarity from heads of state, leaders of international organizations, and citizens. The Panama Canal will continue to serve world trade today and always.”

Trump, who was re-elected as president in the November 5 election, accused Panama on December 22 of demanding excessive fees for the use of the Panama Canal and said that if the canal was not properly managed, they would demand its return to the United States. Describing former President Jimmy Carter’s decision to transfer the canal’s management to Panama as a “mistake,” Trump noted that the canal was given to Panama “not for the benefit of anyone else” but as a symbol of cooperation between the two countries.

Panamanian President Mulino responded to Trump by saying, “My fellow citizens, as president, I would like to state this unequivocally: the Panama Canal and all areas connected to it, every square meter of it, belong to Panama. The sovereignty and independence of our country are non-negotiable. The Panama Canal belongs to Panama and will remain so.”

Trump announced on December 22 on his Truth Social account that he had chosen PayPal co-founder Ken Howery as the US ambassador to Copenhagen and repeated his statement that Greenland should be under US control.

“For the sake of national security and freedom throughout the world, the United States believes that ownership and control of Greenland is essential,” Trump said in his tweet.