Donald Trump tweeted threats against Panama over the weekend. He suggested in a post on Truth Social that he would seize control of the Panama Canal. If his demands are not complied with The president-elect also included an AI-generated image of an American flag in the middle of the canal, making it the second time Trump has threatened an ally with an AI image after he made a similar threat to Canada.
“Welcome to the United States Canal!” Trump wrote. Sundayin messages appearing on various social media platforms, including Instagram and Facebook–
The post included an image that was clearly not created by AI, but in the bottom right corner there was the word Grok, an AI tool created by X that is both a chatbot and allows people to create images with the Grok watermark prompt. It has been written off on platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
It was not immediately clear whether Trump or his social media team discovered the image. But president-elects have been known to spread sensational images found on Twitter, especially when they are hateful and racist. Trump posts AI image of cats and dogs in September When he helped spread the lie that Haitian immigrants in Ohio were eating pets.
Trump first suggested he would seek ownership of the Panama Canal a day earlier in a message that spread across two Truth Social posts on Saturday.
“The Panama Canal is an important national asset of the United States. Given its critical role in America's economy and national security,” Trump wrote, “a safe Panama Canal is critical to U.S. trade. and the rapid deployment of navies from the Atlantic to the Pacific. and significantly reduce transit times to U.S. ports.”
The post then went on to give reasons why the U.S. Therefore, the Panama Canal should be controlled. Just as they did when it was built in the early 20th century, France started the project in the 1880s but abandoned it until the United States. It took over in 1904 and completed the canal a decade later. President Jimmy Carter signed a treaty in 1970 to return control of the canal to Panama. But Trump wants to cancel that.
“The fees Panama charges are ridiculous. Especially knowing the extraordinary generosity that the United States has shown. Give it to Panama,” Trump write– “This complete 'fraud' of our country will stop immediately.”
Trump then went on to say: Unless consent is given, the United States will “demand” control of the canal. which is considered a threat of war with foreign allies
“The United States has a vested interest in the safe operation of the Panama Canal. effective and reliable And that is something that has always been understood. We will and will never let it fall into the wrong hands!” Trump write–
“It is not given for the benefit of others. It is only a sign of cooperation with us and Panama.” If both the moral and legal principles of this generous giving are not followed, We will demand the full return of the Panama Canal without question. To the Panamanian officials Please take advice!” Trump continued.
Clearly, the Panamanian president took Trump's threats seriously. by defending the territorial integrity of his country in the video. Post to X–
“Every square meter of the Panama Canal and adjacent zones is part of Panama. And it will continue to do so,” President Jose Raul Mulino said Sunday. According to the English translation by Bloomberg–
🇮🇹 Menzaye del President José Raul Mulino 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/DMXU8qAuNT
— Jose Raul Mulino (@JoseRaulMulino) December 22, 2024
Trump responded to Mulino with more ridiculous nonsense at an event called AmericaFest, organized by the far-right political organization Turning Point USA.
“Has anyone ever heard of the Panama Canal?” Trump said. “Because we were tricked at the Panama Canal. It's like being tricked everywhere.”
Trump echoed statements he has made on social media during his live show.
“If the moral and legal principles of this generous gesture are not followed, We will demand the full return of the Panama Canal quickly and without question,” Trump said. CBC–
After the speech Trump continued writing social reality “We'll see,” in response to President Mulino's message. Make it clear that he must be as hostile as possible.
This isn't the first time Trump has used AI-generated images to threaten a foreign country with invasion. The billionaire previously posted an AI image of himself standing on a mountain with an American flag and Europe's Matterhorn peak in the distance. It seems like this image is supposed to symbolize Trump's conquest of Canada. Although the image clearly shows a natural formation in Europe.
Trump also included threats against Greenland on Sunday in his announcement of Kane's appointment. Howery is Ambassador to Denmark.
“For the purposes of national security and freedom throughout the world. The United States feels that ownership and control of Greenland is essential,” Trump said. write– “Ken will do an excellent job representing the interests of the United States.”
Some critics insist that Trump's threats to foreign countries are just a joke or a “joke,” but they appear to be in complete denial about what the country faces in the months and years ahead. front We'll find out soon. This is whether Trump is trying to make any moves. with partner countries or not It's a whole new world. And no one knows exactly what lies ahead.