On Christmas Day 2024, President-elect Donald Trump shook the political landscape with a series of blunt and wide-ranging policy declarations on Truth Social, his favored communication platform. Posted amid holiday greetings, the messages took aim at foreign allies, domestic opponents, and global institutions. Though couched in the holiday spirit—”Merry Christmas to all”—the posts laid out what appears to be a preview of Trump’s second-term agenda, just weeks ahead of his January 20 inauguration.
In a now-viral message, Trump declared, “We’re saying Merry Christmas again,” accompanied by a digitally altered image of himself in a snowy Alpine landscape, blending Christmas sentiment with pointed geopolitical jabs. The post was celebrated by supporters and linked in a popular tweet reading: “🚨 BEAUTIFUL! President Trump just posted this. We’re saying Merry Christmas again🎄🇺🇸.”
But beneath the festive wrapping, the content of Trump’s posts was anything but benign holiday cheer. The President-elect renewed his call for the United States to take control of the Panama Canal, asserting that China is operating it illegally and that Panama is overcharging U.S. ships. “Panama is charging U.S. ships ridiculous, highly unfair fees,” Trump wrote. He claimed that Chinese soldiers were “lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal,” a statement that prompted an immediate rebuke from Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino, who responded in a televised address: “Every square meter of the canal belongs to Panama and will continue to belong.”
Trump’s interest in Panama follows disruptions in Canal traffic due to historic droughts, which have reduced water levels and shipping capacity. Transit restrictions have limited daily vessel crossings to about 24 a day—down from around 36 in normal years—leading to soaring wait times and increased fees. This has translated to higher shipping costs for American companies and added to inflationary pressures. By laying blame on Panama and China, Trump taps into nationalist concerns over foreign control of strategic infrastructure and its perceived impact on U.S. economic competitiveness.
Elsewhere in his series of posts, Trump revisited his longstanding fascination with Greenland, tweeting: “The ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity.” Trump previously floated a proposal to purchase the mineral-rich island from Denmark during his first term, which was dismissed by Danish officials at the time as “absurd.” Trump indicated that PayPal co-founder and former ambassador Ken Howery would likely return to Denmark to renew negotiations.
On the northern border, Trump targeted Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, mocking him as “Governor” and suggesting Canada should become America’s 51st state. “Also, to Governor Justin Trudeau of Canada, whose citizens’ taxes are far too high… if Canada was to become our 51st state, their taxes would be cut by more than 60%.” The post included an AI-generated image of Trump placing an American flag atop a snowy peak said to resemble Canada’s Banff National Park. While clearly satirical in tone, the message further alienated Canada’s liberal administration amid ongoing trade and policy disputes.
Trump’s economic threats extended to both Canada and Mexico. He warned of immediate tariffs unless leaders cooperate on stopping illegal immigration. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum publicly denied Trump’s claim that their mutual conversation was cordial, stating, “We reject any pressure tactics that deviate from respect between sovereign nations.” These new threats signal a potential return to contentious trade talks and strained diplomatic relations that marked Trump’s first term.
In domestic policy, Trump chastised current President Joe Biden’s decision to commute federal death penalty sentences, writing, “I refuse to wish a Merry Christmas to those lucky ‘souls’ but, instead, will say, GO TO HELL!” The comment underscores Trump’s intention to reinstitute the federal death penalty and reverse current Department of Justice policies. Since July 2021, the Biden administration has maintained a moratorium on federal executions, citing legal concerns and racial disparities in sentencing. Trump’s proposed reinstatement would mark a sharp contrast, signaling a broader tough-on-crime stance as part of his platform.
Trump also took aim at the Democratic Party, declaring, “Merry Christmas to the Radical Left Lunatics, who are constantly trying to obstruct our court system and our elections.” The phrase echoes familiar claims Trump has made about investigations led by Special Counsel Jack Smith and multiple ongoing indictments stemming from January 6 and alleged mishandling of classified documents. His language indicates he may use the powers of the executive branch to pursue legal retaliation against political opponents or to issue additional pardons for allies entangled in the Capitol riot prosecutions.
The overall tone and substance of Trump’s Christmas Day posts drew instant attention from both domestic and international observers. From a geopolitical standpoint, Trump’s comments threaten to destabilize current foreign relations with critical trade partners and could increase diplomatic pushback. Diplomats in Canada, Mexico, Denmark, and Panama have all either responded or are reportedly drafting official replies to Trump’s rhetoric. Additionally, speculation has grown about how the proposed territorial and economic policies might disrupt existing treaties and trade frameworks like USMCA, which replaced NAFTA during Trump’s first term.
At home, Trump’s declarations have energized his voter base. Responses on conservative forums and social media echo a readiness to support bold moves that challenge globalism and reinforce national strength. However, the messages also deepen partisan divides and raise concerns over the potential volatility of policymaking from January 20 onward.
For Trump, the platform remains clear—his administration will advance hardline approaches to immigration, trade, law enforcement, and foreign policy. His Christmas messages, though delivered in the veneer of celebration, were unmistakably intended to signal a dramatic shift in tone and substance from the current administration. Whether proposing renewed ownership over strategic global territories or promising retaliatory justice reforms, Trump is laying the groundwork for a combative and interventionist presidency.
The impact of these early declarations will depend in part on global reaction. Panama has already made clear its sovereignty is not negotiable. Greenland is likely to remain under Danish control regardless of economic value. But the message to voters—particularly those concerned with border security, trade fairness, and law-and-order—is unmistakable. Trump’s rhetoric signals that he intends to govern on these issues with urgency and without hesitation.
Though it was a holiday, the political ramifications of December 25 were immediate. For many, it turned out to be less about Christmas carols and more about a blueprint for the next four years. And as Trump leaned into a familiar mantra—”We’re saying Merry Christmas again”—it was less a seasonal greeting, and more a declaration of war against everything he views as soft, weak, or compromised in American politics and policy.
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