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- (A)Political December 28th
(A)Political December 28th
Good morning everyone,
We’ve only got a few weeks until Trump takes office! Groundwork is still being done, and policy is still being announced, but there is plenty to cover this week!
Trump laid out plans to annex Greenland and assert control of the Panama canal. This has obviously stirred the pot from his international counterparts. Ukraine has been given $1.25 billion dollars in additional aid as the Biden administration comes to a close. Trump has announced plans to cut any work from home plans for federal employees.
Trump’s Annexation Ambitions
Ukraine Gets…You Guessed It…More Money
Trump Makes Work From Home Ancient History
Trump’s Annexation Ambitions

Donald Trump’s post via Truth Social
By: Atlas
Donald Trump's recent declarations about reclaiming the Panama Canal and purchasing Greenland have reignited discussions about American territorial expansion, suggesting a potential return to 19th-century policies of manifest destiny. The president-elect's statements, made in the wake of his November 2024 election victory, signal what could become the most ambitious American territorial agenda since the early 1900s.
At a rally in Arizona, Trump proclaimed "the Golden Age of America is upon us," while simultaneously warning Panama about "ridiculous" canal fees and suggesting that the strategic waterway might need to return to American control. This rhetoric expanded days later when he announced his intention to acquire Greenland, appointing former PayPal co-founder Ken Howery as ambassador to Denmark in what appears to be a strategic move to facilitate negotiations.
The Monroe Doctrine Reborn
Trump's territorial ambitions appear firmly rooted in a revival of the Monroe Doctrine, the 19th-century policy asserting American dominance over the Western Hemisphere. His focus on both the Panama Canal and Greenland reflects deep concerns about Chinese influence in these strategically crucial regions. The Panama Canal, through which approximately 5% of global maritime traffic flows, has become particularly contentious due to China's control of two adjacent ports: Balboa on the Pacific side and Cristobal on the Caribbean coast.
The president-elect's warnings about the canal stem less from concerns about transit fees and more from strategic anxieties about China's growing presence in the region. "The Panama Canal is considered a VITAL National Asset for the United States, due to its critical role to America's Economy and National Security," Trump wrote, emphasizing the waterway's importance for U.S. naval deployment between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
A Historic Land Grab
The proposed acquisition of Greenland would represent the largest territorial addition in American history, surpassing even the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. At 836,330 square miles, Greenland's landmass exceeds the 827,987 square miles acquired from France during Jefferson's presidency. Sources close to Trump indicate these ambitions aren't mere political posturing. "The president is 100% serious," one insider revealed according to multiple reports, while another noted, "Trump is of the belief that empires that don't grow start to fail. He is a student of history, and this is one of the schools of thought."
The Greenland strategy appears more sophisticated than Trump's first attempt during his initial term. His team has developed detailed plans focusing on winning over Greenland's 56,000 residents through economic incentives. Former Treasury Department official Thomas Dans has described the current situation as an "indenture of old," where Greenlanders remain dependent on Danish subsidies despite being "asset-rich and cash-poor."
International Pushback
Both initiatives have faced strong opposition from current leadership in Panama and Greenland. Panama's President José Raúl Mulino forcefully rejected Trump's suggestions about the canal, stating "every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent area belongs to Panama, and will continue to do so. The sovereignty and independence of our country are not negotiable."
Similarly, Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede responded definitively: "Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale. We must not lose our long struggle for freedom." The Danish government, which has controlled Greenland for over three centuries, has shown no interest in entertaining Trump's proposals.
Strategic Implications
Trump's territorial ambitions reflect broader concerns about Chinese influence and resource control. Greenland's vast deposits of rare earth minerals, crucial for clean energy technology and electric vehicles, make it particularly attractive as the U.S. seeks to reduce dependency on Chinese supply chains. The Panama Canal's strategic importance for global maritime trade and military mobility adds another layer to these geopolitical calculations.
Former officials suggest that any acquisition of Greenland would likely follow a model similar to existing U.S. relationships with Pacific island nations like Palau and the Marshall Islands – operating under a compact of free association that would preserve some autonomy while establishing American control. This approach might offer a template for future territorial expansions under a second Trump administration.
Looking Ahead
Trump's territorial ambitions represent more than just a real estate developer's appetite for acquisition; they signal a potential fundamental shift in American foreign policy. By simultaneously pursuing control over the Panama Canal and Greenland's vast territory, Trump appears to be positioning the United States for a return to territorial expansion not seen since Theodore Roosevelt.
Whether these ambitious plans materialize remains uncertain, but their mere proposal has already sparked intense international debate and intrigue. As one Trump insider noted, this approach to expansion is viewed as "a legacy item that cannot be distorted or taken away by political opposition" – intonating that these ambitions could act as the lubricant for Trump's second term foreign policy agenda.
Ukraine Gets Additional Aid Prior To Trump Presidency

Ukraine President Zelensky (Credit: AP)
By: Atlas
As President Biden enters his final weeks in office, his administration has launched a surge in military aid to Ukraine, racing against both time and escalating Russian attacks. With President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration looming on January 20th, the White House is mobilizing to deliver as much of the remaining $5.6 billion in authorized military assistance as possible, reflecting growing concerns about what hangs in the balance for Ukraine President Zelensky as Trump is sworn in.
The urgency of this effort has been underscored by recent Russian aggression, including a massive barrage of 170 drones and missiles targeting Ukraine's critical energy infrastructure. These attacks, causing widespread power outages and civilian casualties, have prompted Biden to order an acceleration of weapons deliveries to bolster Ukraine's defensive capabilities in what’s projected to be an even harsher winter in the months to come.
Aid Package Details and Challenges
The centerpiece of this final push is a new $1.25 billion military assistance package, expected to be announced on Monday. This aid bundle includes pivotal defensive weaponry: National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems, HAWK air defense systems, Stinger missiles, and significant quantities of artillery ammunition. The package draws from presidential drawdown authority, allowing the Pentagon to quickly transfer weapons from existing stockpiles to Ukraine.
However, senior defense officials acknowledge a sobering reality: the Department of Defense may not be able to deliver all of the remaining $5.6 billion in congressionally approved aid before Trump assumes office. This limitation stems from logistical constraints and the sheer scale of the remaining assistance. After the latest package, approximately $4.35 billion will remain in immediate military aid, alongside $1.2 billion in longer-term funding through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.
The Trump Factor
The rush to deliver aid reflects widespread anxiety in Democratic circles about Trump's approach to the Ukrainian conflict. The soon to be 47th president has repeatedly emphasized his positive relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin and expressed interest in brokering a negotiated settlement between Moscow and Kyiv. This stance has alarmed European leaders, who worry that Trump could withhold aid in exchange for bargaining power.
These concerns aren't unfounded. Trump's previous statements and his skepticism toward the war continuing has generated angst among world leaders who favor Ukraine to come out on top of the conflict. European allies are particularly worried that any reduction in U.S. assistance could dramatically alter the balance of power in the region, especially as Russia deploys thousands of North Korean (DPRK) troops near the Kursk border region. It should be noted that the North Korean presence has been at least somewhat diminished with thousands of DPRK casualties according to western intelligence services.
The Battlefield Reality
Despite the surge in military hardware, Ukraine faces an uphill battle on the ground. Military analysts point to severe manpower shortages as a critical weakness in Ukraine's defensive positions. While the additional weaponry provides a needed support, particularly for air defense, many experts suggest it may not fundamentally alter the battlefield dynamics without addressing the underlying need for much more manpower.
The timing of Russia's recent attacks appears calculated, targeting civilian infrastructure during winter when the population is most vulnerable. Biden condemned these strikes, particularly noting their proximity to religious holidays, though his reference to Christmas timing required clarification due to the Orthodox calendar's observance of the holiday on January 7th.
Looking Ahead
As the transition of power approaches, the Biden administration is working to strengthen Ukraine's negotiating position through this final surge of military support. Officials hope that bolstering Ukraine's defensive capabilities might provide leverage should peace talks materialize under the Trump administration. However, the effectiveness of this strategy remains uncertain, particularly given Trump's stated desire to pursue his own approach to ending the conflict.
To date, U.S. security assistance to Ukraine has exceeded $64 billion since Russia's February 2022 invasion. This massive investment in Ukraine's defense capabilities represents one of the most significant American military aid efforts since the Vietnam War, where the US aid totaled over $1 trillion dollars adjusted for inflation. As the Biden administration races to deliver its final tranches of support, the future of this commitment hangs in the balance, creating anxiety among allies and uncertainty about the next chapter in this prolonged conflict.
The urgency of the situation is perhaps best captured by a senior defense official who noted that while weapons deliveries will continue until January 20th, significant funds may remain available for the incoming Trump administration to allocate as it sees fit – a prospect that both encourages and concerns various stakeholders in this complex geopolitical crisis.
Trump: Working From Home is Gone

Trump at campaign rally in Traverse City, Michigan (Anna Moneymaker - Getty Images)
By: Atlas
In a bold move that mirrors recent private sector trends, President-elect Donald Trump has declared war on remote work in the federal government, warning that employees who don't return to the office "are going to be dismissed." This 180 degree shift from the Biden administration would upend the working arrangements of approximately 2.3 million federal employees who settled into remote work during the pandemic.
The Corporate Catalyst
Trump's stance aligns with a broader corporate movement back to in-person work. Major companies like Amazon, Boeing, Disney, and various banking giants have already implemented return-to-office mandates. Amazon's recent requirement for its 350,000 employees to return five days a week starting January 2025 has set a particularly stark precedent. According to KPMG, 83 percent of U.S. CEOs now expect a full return to office within the next three years, up significantly from 64 percent in 2023.
The Union Showdown
The announcement has sparked immediate resistance from federal employee unions, particularly the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE). The conflict centers on a recently signed contract extending remote work protections until 2029, which Trump has labeled "very terrible" and vowed to challenge in court. AFGE National President Everett Kelley has responded forcefully, asserting that collective bargaining agreements are legally binding and promising to "enforce our rights" if the incoming administration attempts to override them.
Kelley's defense includes important context often overlooked in the debate: contrary to popular perception, only ten percent of federal workers are fully remote, with hybrid workers spending more than sixty percent of their time in the office. The union maintains that remote work has enhanced both productivity and efficiency in government operations.
The Business Case
The push for return-to-office extends beyond simple preference. Business leaders cite multiple benefits of in-person work, including improved collaboration, stronger company culture, and enhanced productivity. Kevelyn Guzman, regional vice president at Coldwell Banker Warburg, describes the office as "more than a workspace—it's a hub for connection, collaboration, and growth." This sentiment echoes across industries, with leaders emphasizing the value of spontaneous interactions and real-time problem-solving.
However, the transition back to office work faces significant challenges. Recent data from Owl Labs reveals that workers spend over $60 per day on office-related expenses, translating to roughly $300 per week in additional costs. Moreover, MyPerfectResume's 2024 survey indicates that 77 percent of workers believe return-to-office mandates are primarily about control rather than productivity.
Legal Implications
The legal landscape surrounding return-to-office mandates is relatively straightforward in the private sector, where "at-will" employment dominates. However, the federal workforce operates under different rules, with approximately 56 percent of civil servants covered by collective bargaining agreements that include telework provisions. This creates a more complex legal environment for Trump's proposed changes.
Employment attorney Scott Herndon notes that while private sector employees have limited leverage, federal workers' unions provide additional protections and bargaining power. This dynamic sets up the legal battle framework between the Trump’s demands and federal employee unions.
Looking Ahead
As the transition approaches, both sides appear prepared for a prolonged fight. Trump's administration will likely face significant challenges in implementing its return-to-office mandate, particularly given the existing contractual obligations and union resistance. The outcome of this conflict will likely be settled at the Supreme Court.
The broader implications extend beyond immediate workplace arrangements. At stake is the future of federal workforce management and the government's ability to attract and retain talent in an evolving job market. As one senior government official noted, "This isn't just about where people work—it's about how government adapts to changing workplace expectations and technologies."
As both sides prepare for what is assumed to be a protracted legal and political battle, the future of federal workplace flexibility hangs in the balance, along with the daily routines of millions of government employees.
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