Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) sharply criticized President-elect Donald Trump’s controversial suggestions about reclaiming control of the Panama Canal and purchasing Greenland. She called the ideas “preposterous” and accused Trump of pursuing policies that would benefit billionaires and corporate interests.

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz condemned President-elect Donald Trump’s proposal to control the Panama Canal and purchase Greenland, describing them as self-interested moves designed to benefit billionaires, The Hill reported.

The Panama Canal, which has been under Panamanian control since the 1970s, has been a frequent subject of Trump’s criticism. Over the past week, Trump reiterated his concerns about “exorbitant prices” charged by Panama and accused the country of “ripping off” the U.S.

Trump also called the fees for passage through the canal “ridiculous” and claimed Panama had received “extraordinary generosity” from the U.S. government.

Wasserman Schultz was quick to respond, dismissing Trump’s assertions as baseless. “It is utterly preposterous to suggest that we are going to send our military into Panama to, quote, ‘take back the Panama Canal,’” she said. She further pointed out that the U.S. maintains a treaty and free trade agreement with Panama, which made such a claim both unrealistic and inflammatory.

Wasserman Schultz Draws an Unlikely Comparison

She went on to compare Trump’s suggestion to an equally absurd hypothetical scenario: Panama attempting to seize the Mississippi River from the United States. “We are no more going to take back the Panama Canal than Panama is going to come in and try to take the Mississippi River from us,” Wasserman Schultz added, emphasizing the deeply entrenched international agreements that prevent such actions from taking place.

Trump’s proposed acquisition of Greenland has also drawn criticism from various quarters. He previously referred to owning Greenland as an “absolute necessity” for the U.S., a notion that has been widely ridiculed and rejected by Greenlandic and Danish officials. However, Trump’s assertion has persisted as a talking point among his supporters and critics alike.

Wasserman Schultz was no more supportive of Trump’s stance on Greenland, which she characterized as a “ridiculous carnival barker threat.” According to the congresswoman, Trump’s interest in both the Panama Canal and Greenland was motivated by self-interest and a desire to secure better deals for corporate allies.

Wasserman Schultz Accuses Trump of Self-Interest

“What Donald Trump is really trying to do here is try to get better fees for passage for his corporate and billionaire allies,” she said, framing Trump’s rhetoric as self-serving. “That’s what this boils down to. And it’s preposterous,” she continued, stressing that the ideas were little more than distractions designed to placate his wealthy supporters.

Trump’s handling of foreign policy has been a source of contention throughout his political career, with both supporters and detractors questioning his approach to international relations.

The Panama Canal and Greenland comments appear to be just the latest example of his controversial rhetoric, which often clashes with longstanding diplomatic norms and agreements.

Criticism of Trump’s Ambassador Nominee

Wasserman Schultz also took aim at Trump’s nominee for U.S. ambassador to Panama, Kevin Marino Cabrera. She dismissed him as unqualified, describing him as a figure with a “scant resume” who “worships” the former president.

Cabrera’s appointment has raised eyebrows among critics, who question his ability to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape of Latin America.

The criticism of Trump’s foreign policy proposals has drawn bipartisan concern. While some Republicans have remained silent on the issue, others have distanced themselves from Trump’s rhetoric, viewing it as detrimental to the U.S.’s global standing.

Wasserman Schultz’s comments reflect broader concerns among Democrats about Trump’s ability to manage international relations. She has argued that Trump’s policies are more focused on promoting personal wealth and advancing corporate interests than on securing genuine diplomatic victories for the country.

The Debate Over Foreign Policy Rhetoric

Despite the backlash, Trump’s supporters continue to rally behind his unconventional ideas. Many view his calls for renegotiating the terms of U.S. international agreements as part of a broader “America First” agenda that challenges traditional diplomatic norms.

Wasserman Schultz’s remarks underscore the ongoing tension between Trump and his critics, particularly in the realm of foreign policy. The debate over the Panama Canal and Greenland is unlikely to subside anytime soon, as both issues remain contentious points in Trump’s broader political vision.

Looking Ahead: Will Trump’s Foreign Policy Gain Traction?

In conclusion, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s criticism of President-elect Trump’s foreign policy proposals highlights the growing divide over his approach to international relations. Whether these ideas will resonate with the American public or become further entangled in partisan bickering remains to be seen.