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President-elect Donald Trump electrified his supporters at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in Phoenix, Arizona, on Sunday with sweeping statements on U.S. sovereignty, global ambitions, and his plans for a booming economy and strong borders. The rally, attended by over 20,000 conservative activists, served as a showcase of Republican unity and set the stage for Trump’s upcoming administration. Regaining Control of the Panama Canal
Among Trump’s most striking rem
arks was his call to reclaim the Panama Canal, which the U.S. relinquished to P
anama in 1999 under a treaty signed by President Jimmy Carter. Trump labeled the move
as “foolish” and criticized the canal's current fees as “ridiculous.”
“We’re being ripped off,” he declared. “If the principles of that magnanimous gesture are not followed, we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States—quickly and without question.”
Panama’s conservative President José Raúl Mulino, a staunch U.S. ally, fired back, asserting his nation’s sovereignty. “Every square meter of the canal belongs to Panama and will continue to belong to Panama,” he said in a defiant video. Mulino explained that shipping fees are based on expert analysis of costs and demand and pointed out that Panama has independently expanded the canal over the years.
Unmoved, Trump took to Truth Social to respond with a provocative message: “We’ll see about that!” accompanied by an image of the U.S. flag planted in the canal zone with the caption, “Welcome to the United States Canal!”
A Renewed Interest in Greenland
In a twist reminiscent of his first term, Trump also floated the idea of the U.S. purchasing Greenland, citing its strategic importance. “For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity,” he wrote on Truth Social. Trump announced Ken Howery, PayPal co-founder and former U.S. ambassador to Sweden, as his pick for U.S. ambassador to Denmark, signaling a renewed focus on the Arctic territory.
Greenland, rich in natural resources like gold, silver, and uranium, also holds significant geopolitical importance as nations race to secure Arctic dominance. However, Denmark has firmly rejected past U.S. overtures, and Greenland itself has maintained that it is not for sale.
The “Golden Age of America”
Trump used his speech to cast a vision for what he called the “Golden Age of America.” He pledged to seal the nation’s borders, resolve conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, and deliver unprecedented economic growth. “There’s a spirit now that we didn’t have just a short while ago,” he told the crowd, attributing his electoral success to grassroots efforts led by Turning Point USA and its founder, Charlie Kirk.
Kirk’s organization has become a key player in mobilizing young voters, Black men, and Latino men—groups that have traditionally leaned Democratic. “You had Turning Point’s grassroots armies,” Trump said. “It’s not my victory; it’s your victory.”
Cabinet Announcements and Big Donors
Trump unveiled new members of his “dream team Cabinet,” including Stephen Miran, a former Treasury official, as head of the Council of Economic Advisers, and Callista Gingrich, former ambassador to the Holy See, as U.S. ambassador to Switzerland.
Australian billionaire Anthony Pratt also announced a $1.1 million donation to Trump’s inaugural fund, adding to the $14 million he previously gave to the Make America Great Again Inc. super PAC.
A New Chapter in U.S. Politics
Despite recent dr
ama in Washington, where House Republicans derailed a bipartisan budget deal at Trump’s urging, the president-elect chose not to address the controversy in his speech. Inste
ad, he focused on rallying his base and outlining his vision for the future.
As Trump prepares to assume office on January 20 with a narrow Republican majority in Congress, his bold declarations on the Panama Canal, Greenland, and his domestic agenda signal an administration eager to reshape America’s role on the world stage. Whether these ambitions will materialize remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Trump’s second term is poised to be just as audacious and unpredictable as his first.
