OPINION by John Adams
In a world already teetering on the edge of geopolitical instability, reckless statements from a former U.S. president about taking control of foreign territories can have lasting consequences. Donald Trump’s recent remarks about the Gaza Strip and the Panama Canal have triggered outrage from foreign governments and reignited fears of U.S. imperial overreach.
By proposing the U.S. should control Gaza and hinting at “retaking” the Panama Canal, Trump has not only alienated key international partners but also reinforced suspicions that America’s foreign policy is built on dominance rather than diplomacy. These statements have provoked immediate backlash in the Middle East and Latin America, threatening to irreparably damage U.S. relations with allies and trading partners alike.
Gaza: A Diplomatic Disaster in the Making
Trump’s shocking suggestion that the United States should take control of the Gaza Strip, forcibly remove its 2.2 million Palestinian residents, and turn the region into a “resort destination” was met with swift and universal condemnation.
Saudi Arabia, a country the U.S. has spent years courting for an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal, immediately rejectedTrump’s proposal, reaffirming that normalization with Israel cannot happen without a Palestinian state.
International legal experts have warned that such a move would amount to a blatant violation of international law and an endorsement of forced displacement, a practice widely regarded as a crime against humanity.
Even within the U.S., military analysts have pointed out that Trump’s comments contradict long-standing American foreign policy goals—undermining years of delicate diplomatic negotiations in the Middle East.
Panama: A Sovereign Nation Fights Back
If Trump’s comments about Gaza weren’t enough, his statement that the U.S. should “retake” the Panama Canal has reignited deep-seated resentment in Latin America.
Video reporting from AP – Story can be found in our News Outlets section
The Panama Canal, built by the U.S. but officially handed back to Panama in 1999, is a source of national pride and sovereignty for Panamanians. The mere suggestion that the U.S. should reclaim it has been seen as an insult to Panama’s independence and a reminder of past colonial-era interventions.
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino responded forcefully:
“Every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent area belong to Panama and will continue to be. The sovereignty and independence of our country are not negotiable.”
Protests have since erupted across Panama City, with citizens taking to the streets to denounce what they see as U.S. imperialism.
A New Era of American Isolation?
Trump’s expansionist rhetoric may play well with his political base in the U.S., but on the world stage, it cements America’s reputation as a global bully.
Instead of strengthening alliances, these remarks:
✔ Isolate the U.S. from critical allies in the Middle East and Latin America
✔ Undermine international trust in American diplomacy
✔ Risk fueling anti-American sentiment, making it harder to negotiate future deals
More alarmingly, Trump’s statements do not exist in a vacuum. They follow a pattern of American foreign policy decisions that alienate allies—from abandoning international agreements to unilaterally imposing trade sanctions.
If left unchecked, this trajectory could lead to a future where the United States finds itself increasingly sidelined on the world stage, with nations choosing to forge alliances elsewhere.
Conclusion: A Warning That Cannot Be Ignored
Trump’s irresponsible statements about Gaza and Panama aren’t just talking points for the campaign trail. They are real threats to America’s global standing—undermining decades of diplomatic relationships and reinforcing the worst fears about U.S. foreign policy.
America cannot afford to engage in colonial-style politics in the modern world. If the U.S. continues down this path, foreign nations will begin treating America as an unpredictable actor rather than a reliable ally.
The damage has already begun. The only question now is: Can it be reversed before it’s too late?
