Chuck Holton
Politics • Culture • News
Chuck Holton is an American war correspondent, published author, and motivational speaker.
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Why Donald Trump Cares About the Panama Canal Now

The Panama Canal, a key link in global trade, has been a point of strategic importance for over a century. Built by the United States and controlled by it until 1999, the canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, reducing shipping times and costs. Today, the canal remains critical to global commerce, but former President Donald Trump has expressed concerns about a new threat: China’s influence over the ports that bookend this vital waterway.

A Brief History of the Canal

The Panama Canal was constructed by the U.S. between 1904 and 1914, at a cost of $375 million (equivalent to over $8 billion today). While the canal was profitable, the direct financial returns never fully recovered the investment. Its strategic value, however, was immense, allowing the U.S. military and commercial ships to move quickly between oceans.

In 1977, President Jimmy Carter signed the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, which transferred control of the canal to Panama by 1999. This handover fulfilled a promise to respect Panamanian sovereignty, and since then, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has successfully managed the canal, generating billions in revenue for Panama’s economy.

The Ports and Hutchison’s Role

While Panama manages the canal, the Ports of Balboa (Pacific side) and Cristóbal (Atlantic side), which handle much of the canal’s shipping traffic, are operated by Hutchison Ports PPC. Hutchison is a subsidiary of CK Hutchison Holdings, a Hong Kong-based company originally founded in the 19th century as a British trading firm. In the 1970s, the company was acquired by Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-Shing, who expanded its global operations.

Today, Hutchison Ports operates 53 ports in 24 countries, making it one of the largest port operators in the world. While it began as a British company, its modern headquarters in Hong Kong and the increasing influence of the Chinese government over Hong Kong raise concerns about Beijing’s potential control over strategic infrastructure like Panama’s ports.

Why China’s Involvement Matters

Since the 1997 handover of Hong Kong to China, Beijing has steadily increased its influence over the region, especially after implementing the National Security Law in 2020. This has led to fears that companies like Hutchison Ports, while nominally independent, could be pressured by the Chinese government to serve its geopolitical interests.

Ports are not just logistical hubs; they are critical for managing global trade. Controlling port operations near the Panama Canal could give China the ability to monitor or disrupt shipping in the event of a geopolitical conflict. While there’s no evidence that this has happened, the potential risk alarms policymakers in Washington.

Trump’s Concerns About Panama

Donald Trump has repeatedly raised the issue of China’s growing influence near the Panama Canal, even suggesting that the U.S. might need to “take back” the canal. His concerns stem from the canal’s importance as a chokepoint for global trade and the fear that China’s presence could undermine U.S. security and economic interests.

While such rhetoric appeals to those wary of China, the reality is more complicated. Reclaiming the canal would violate the Torrijos-Carter Treaties and damage U.S.-Panama relations. Moreover, Panama has operated the canal efficiently and fairly since taking control, maintaining its neutrality and accessibility to all nations.

Panama’s Position in the Geopolitical Struggle

It’s important to note that Panama is not to blame for the current situation. The country awarded the port concessions to Hutchison in 1997, before China’s influence over Hong Kong became a major concern. Since then, Panama has modernized and expanded the canal, even completing a $5.25 billion expansion project in 2016 to accommodate larger ships. The canal now generates billions annually and contributes significantly to Panama’s economy.

Panama continues to manage the canal responsibly, adhering to its commitments under the Neutrality Treaty, which ensures the waterway remains open to all nations. However, its reliance on foreign operators like Hutchison for port management leaves it caught in the middle of the U.S.-China rivalry.

The Broader Implications for Global Trade

Trump’s concerns highlight the broader issue of China’s global ambitions. Through its Belt and Road Initiative, China has invested in ports and infrastructure worldwide, increasing its influence over key trade routes. While Panama’s ports are just one piece of this puzzle, their proximity to the canal magnifies their strategic importance.

The challenge for the U.S. is to counter China’s influence without undermining Panama’s sovereignty or the canal’s neutrality. Strengthening diplomatic ties with Panama and offering economic incentives to diversify its partnerships may be a more effective approach than escalating tensions.

Conclusion: A Canal in the Crosshairs

The Panama Canal remains a vital link in global trade, and its surrounding infrastructure has become a focal point in the growing rivalry between the U.S. and China. While Donald Trump’s concerns about Chinese influence are not unfounded, addressing them requires a careful balance of diplomacy, economic engagement, and respect for Panama’s sovereignty. In this new era of geopolitics, securing the future of the canal will depend on collaboration, not confrontation.

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On the Shores of Issyk- Kul

Today I got a chance to check out the second largest saltwater lake in the world

00:00:49
Is the U.S. Training Syria’s New Jihadist Army?

Very few media outlets are talking about this, but they should be — urgently.

While most of the world is distracted, U.S. troops are conducting live training exercises in Syria with the forces of the country’s new interim government, now led by Ahmed al-Sharaa — a man widely known as a former Al Qaeda affiliate.

Let that sink in.

Recent reports confirm that U.S. personnel at the Al-Tanf garrison have been training members of the so-called 70th Division, a unit formed from remnants of the Syrian Free Army, which now pledges loyalty to this new government. This comes right on the heels of a massacre of Druze civilians, allegedly carried out by those very same government-aligned forces.

Aiding the Next Generation of Jihadists?
This isn’t just a questionable policy — it could be morally catastrophic.

Druze communities, who have long sought neutrality in Syria’s civil war, were brutally attacked.

Christian populations in the region are living in fear, as radical factions become emboldened ...

00:06:03
Debunked

Debunked: Following several accusations that Israel is causing famine in Gaza, COGAT has released drone footage of the hundreds of truckloads of supplies waiting to be delivered to Gaza by the UN. A statement accompanying the footage claims that 'There is enough food here to feed all of Gaza, if the UN ever came to pick it up.

00:00:39
Episode 622 - Field Producer Dennis Azato and Chuck Reminisce

My erstwhile field producer and cameraman Dennis Azato has accompanied me on ten years of adventures across the globe. Today he joins me in Ukraine and we spend some time remembering our many trips together.

Episode 622 - Field Producer Dennis Azato and Chuck Reminisce

The calm after the storm… Roanoke Island, Outer Banks, NC….

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Insights into how to be found faithful, in days of increasing unfaithfulness:

"Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law." (Romans 13:8)

Being in debt can hinder our witness (if we let it). For Jesus said we cannot serve both money (mammon) and God (Matthew 6:24). When we order our steps according to (paying back debt) finances, instead of God's purposes, we aren't seeking His kingdom first (Matthew 6:33). For this world, and the things of it, are merely temporal (1 John 2:17), but God's kingdom is eternal. Hence why we are told to store up our riches in heaven (Matthew 6:20).

And to actually love our neighbors, and fulfill the Law of God, we have to be available for Him to use us. If all our time is occupied with making money (or like matters), then we are worshiping it. May God's truth, and not what the world values, shape our thoughts, words and actions. Here's some divine wisdom,

"Better is a little with righteousness than great gain ...

Service that pleases God.

"I will freely sacrifice to You; I will praise Your name, O Lord, for it is good. For He has delivered me out of all trouble." (Psalms 54:6-7a)

Being motivated (to obey God) by guilt produces spiritual frustration. God desires us to worship Him freely, out of gratitude, because of the grace we've received in Jesus. If we are serving to earn His love, or maintain our salvation, we misunderstand Him and are destined for failure. For such mentalities are unhealthy, they lead to burnt out and bitterness, pride and self-righteousness (I know this firsthand).

This is why it's so important to understand the truth of the Gospel correctly - by the Spirit's revelation (of the Bible) and not man's tradition or interpretation. For bad teaching fosters the sinful works of the flesh, which leads to all defilement. And truly God's life and love have been given to us freely, and eternally, as a gift (Romans 6:23), because of the perfect obedience of Jesus (Romans 5:17-18), and ...

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Fighting for Truth: A Conversation with Hillel Fuld
One of the most powerful interviews I’ve done in a long while — with my friend Hillel Fuld

I just wrapped up one of the most powerful interviews I’ve done in a long while — with my friend Hillel Fuld. Many of you may already know him: a tech entrepreneur turned advocate for Israel who has become one of the most influential voices online since October 7th. His story, his warnings, and his call to action are worth your time. Let me break it down for you.

 

From Tech to the Front Lines of Information

Hillel was born in New York and moved to Israel 30 years ago. For years, he thrived in the country’s booming tech sector, consulting and working with startups. But tragedy struck when his brother was murdered in a terrorist attack seven years ago, and the Hamas massacre on October 7th sealed his decision to put everything else aside.

He shut down his successful business and dedicated himself full-time to defending Israel in the digital space. As a result, over four billion impressions on social media — most of them engaging with audiences predisposed to be anti-Israel. Why? Because he built credibility over years, and now he’s using that platform to counter lies with facts, to challenge hatred with truth.

Before October 7th, Hillel wrote online that the global situation — U.S. tensions with Iran and China, Russia’s war in Ukraine, bitter division in Israel and America — made it clear something big was coming. He didn’t predict the exact attack, but he knew Israel would be at the center. Sadly, he was right.

Now, he feels that same ominous weight again. He is afraid that a large-scale terrorist attack will happen against Jews in the U.S. or Europe. He hopes he’s wrong — desperately hopes — but as he put it, the trajectory is undeniable. Anti-Semitism is exploding. Attacks on Jews are up over 800% in the U.S. alone. Synagogues are being firebombed, Jews are assaulted in broad daylight, mobs wave terror flags in Western capitals, and governments do little or nothing.

His Holocaust-survivor aunt summed it up in two chilling words: “The same.”

 

Why the Hatred?

Hillel tackled the hardest question: why does Jew-hatred persist across history? His answer had two parts.

First, the theological: Jewish tradition teaches that anti-Semitism is built into the fabric of history.

Second, the historical: every empire that rose to dominance eventually threw out morality. And when morality — the values rooted in the Bible — became inconvenient, those empires lashed out at the messengers: the Jews. From Babylon to Rome, from Nazi Germany to the present day, the pattern repeats.

“The reason they hate us,” Hillel said, “is because we brought morality to the world. They don’t want it shoved down their throats, so they attack us.”

 

The Information War

We talked about the battlefield that matters most today: not just Gaza or Rafah, but the battle for truth.

Israel has arguably the strongest military defense technology in the world — Iron Dome, David’s Sling, the Arrow system — but in the information war, they’re getting crushed. Hamas and its backers pump out propaganda in slick, coordinated campaigns. Meanwhile, Israel’s truth-tellers are often underfunded, outnumbered, and ignored.

“I’ve reached four billion impressions with my ten fingers,” Hillel told me. “Imagine if I had 300 fingers.”

And here’s the kicker: the other side is organized. They’ve got talking points, PDFs, WhatsApp groups, slogans like “All Eyes on Rafah.” Israel? Not so much.

This is why Hillel’s plea is simple: use your voice. Don’t think your small Facebook following doesn’t matter. Truth spreads when people speak it.

Hillel shared how he was banned from Australia — his visa revoked because of so-called “Islamophobic” tweets. What did he say? That reports of massacres in Gaza weren’t true (later confirmed), and that it’s not irrational to fear radical Islam. That was enough to silence him.

The message was clear: in today’s world, truth itself is considered hate speech.

Despite the hardships, Hillel also sees God’s hand at work. He reminded us of Israel’s missile defense systems — once thought “science fiction,” now operating at 99% effectiveness. And the rockets that do get through? More often than not, they land in “empty fields” — something that simply doesn’t exist in a country as small as Israel.

For him, these are not coincidences. They are daily miracles.

 

What Can We Do?

Hillel’s challenge to us is clear:

  • Speak up. Don’t remain silent in the face of lies.

  • Engage online. Share, comment, like — it all matters in fighting the algorithm.

  • Support the information warriors. Boots and rifles aren’t the only battle gear needed; so are digital warriors with the means to amplify truth.

  • Pray and prepare. As he said, this is a moment in history where our grandchildren will ask: “What did you do?”

 

I’ve covered wars for over 20 years. I’ve spent months in Israel since October 7th. And I can tell you this: Hillel Fuld is right. The information battle is just as important as the battlefield. The lies being spread about Israel are not just words — they shape policies, embolden terrorists, and endanger lives.

Friends, we cannot be silent. Share this message. Use your voice. And let’s stand together with Israel in truth.

— Chuck Holton

Watch the full interview HERE

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Weaponizing Narco Gold: Why Venezuela Is Facing U.S. Pressure

Today I want to bring your attention to a brewing crisis that could soon erupt in the Western Hemisphere: Venezuela. And it goes way beyond socialism or oil. We're talking about narco-terrorism, gold cartels, foreign militias, and even the possibility of U.S. boots on the ground.

From Prosperity to Predation

Venezuela, once one of the richest countries in Latin America, has become a failed state under Hugo Chavez and now the illegitimate strongman, Nicolas Maduro. The economy collapsed. Kidnapping became a growth industry. And over 8 million Venezuelans have fled, many of them ending up in the United States under lax border enforcement during the Biden administration.

I have a lot of friends who are Venezuelan, and I admire them. But here's the truth: the culture of dependency and normalized criminality that permeates Venezuela doesn't just disappear when people cross the border. That reality has consequences.

The Cartel de los Soles

The real threat isn’t just failed socialism. It’s that Venezuela has become a full-fledged narco-state. Maduro and his cronies are at the center of a shadowy network known as the Cartel de los Soles — made up of military and government elites trafficking cocaine and laundering gold.

Yes, gold. These guys make more money from illegal gold mining than drugs. I’ve been on the ground in Colombia and seen the devastation firsthand: mercury poisoning rivers, miners risking their lives, and terrorist groups taxing every shovel-full.

Why the U.S. Cares

The Trump administration recently escalated things by placing a $50 million bounty on Maduro’s head. That’s not just about ideology. It’s because Maduro is engaged in asymmetric warfare against the U.S. — using drugs, gold, and foreign allies like Russia, China, and Hezbollah to undermine American society.

4,000 U.S. Marines are now headed to the Caribbean coast of Venezuela. Navy ships and Coast Guard cutters are in motion. And the Pentagon has been green-lit to take kinetic action against the cartels.

Sound familiar? It should. I was there when we parachuted into Panama in 1989 to remove Manuel Noriega. Maduro could be next.

The Guyana Flashpoint

As if that's not enough, Venezuela is now saber-rattling over oil-rich territory in neighboring Guyana. Maduro claims half of Guyana belongs to Venezuela. Why? Because Guyana struck it rich with light, sweet crude — far more valuable than Venezuela’s dirty, hard-to-extract reserves.

There are rumors flying of a U.S. military buildup in Guyana. And while some of that is exaggerated, it’s true that we’re training with Guyanese forces and flying combat patrols. The U.S. isn't just defending Guyana’s sovereignty; we’re protecting our own strategic interests.

Mercenaries, Militia, and Madness

Maduro says he’ll mobilize 4.5 million factory workers and farmers into militias. That’s a joke. He doesn’t even trust his own military. That’s why he surrounds himself with Cuban and Russian mercenaries. But money talks — and with $50 million on the line, don't be surprised if some of his protectors turn into bounty hunters.

I've seen this up close. I once got roped into a secret meeting with Venezuelan defectors planning to overthrow Maduro. I backed away, reported it to the embassy, and sure enough, some of those same guys later launched a failed coup. Two American Green Berets were caught and are still rotting in Venezuelan prison.

A Real Risk to the U.S.

This isn’t just a Latin American problem. With Hezbollah operatives smuggled into the U.S. via Venezuela, suicide drones manufactured there with Iranian help, and widespread corruption, this is a clear and present danger to America.

Could this escalate into war? Possibly. But what’s more likely is covert operations, private military action, and targeted strikes. Still, if Venezuela hits back — say, with suicide drones on U.S. soil — all bets are off.

Final Thought

Venezuela is a failed state led by a criminal cartel that masquerades as a government. And while Americans are busy arguing over pronouns and plastic straws, our enemies are plotting how to destroy us from within.

We better wake up.

 

Comment below your thoughts about this. If you missed the live, you can watch it HERE

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The Alaska Summit: Theater, Sanctions, and What It Means for Ukraine

I’m writing to you today from the mountains of Kazakhstan. It’s been a whirlwind few days out here in Central Asia, and I’ve been watching closely as history played out thousands of miles away in Alaska. I want to break down for you what happened at the first U.S.-Russia presidential summit since the war in Ukraine began — and why the optics may be very different from the reality.

 

Pomp Without Circumstance

Two days ago, President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met at Joint Base Elmendorf in Alaska. This was the first time the two men had been face-to-face in a decade, and the event was choreographed to the hilt. Red carpet, honor guards, F-22 Raptors on the tarmac, and even a flyover by B-2 stealth bombers — all staged to project American strength.

But what did we actually get from it? Not much. It was political theater — smiles, handshakes, and photo ops. The summit ended abruptly with no lunch, no press questions, and only carefully scripted remarks. That alone should tell you the talks didn’t go as well as advertised.

 

Putin’s Win on Sanctions

So why did Putin make the trip? One word: sanctions. The Trump administration had been preparing to roll out secondary sanctions — penalties not only on Russia, but also on countries like India and China that have been helping Moscow skirt existing restrictions. These measures had the potential to choke off Russia’s war machine, because while Putin doesn’t mind sacrificing soldiers, he does mind losing the economic lifeline that fuels his military.

At the end of the day, Putin walked away without making a single concession — but he did secure at least a delay on those secondary sanctions. That’s a huge win for Moscow. No wonder Russians are celebrating this summit as a victory.

Meanwhile, Ukraine is in the best battlefield position it has been since the war started. They’ve got more than 750,000 men under arms, and they’ve learned to innovate at lightning speed — fielding drones, unmanned vehicles, and even remote casualty evacuation systems that save soldiers’ lives.

Russian tactics, on the other hand, remain rooted in old Soviet-style warfare: meat waves of troops, staggering casualties, and little innovation beyond drones. Every square kilometer they seize costs them hundreds of dead soldiers.

And here’s a fact you won’t hear on mainstream news: Ukraine is now producing more ammunition than it consumes. They’re no longer entirely dependent on Western supplies. That’s a game changer.

 

Optics vs. Reality

Here’s what worries me: the optics of this summit play directly into Russia’s cognitive warfare doctrine. Moscow believes wars are won by shaping minds, not just by winning on the battlefield. Optics are the battlefield.

Putin, riding in “the Beast” limousine, smiling alongside Trump, Lavrov wearing a USSR sweatshirt — those images tell the world Russia is on equal footing with the United States. That perception is a victory in itself, even if the reality is that Russia’s economy is crumbling and their military is bleeding men at an unsustainable rate.

 

The Human Cost

I also want to remind you what’s at stake here. Russia has abducted tens of thousands of Ukrainian children, rebranded them as Russian, and in some cases sent them to fight against their own countrymen. They’ve run “filtration” camps in occupied Ukraine, separating families, torturing civilians, and disappearing countless people.

I’ve seen the aftermath of these atrocities firsthand. In places like Bucha and Mariupol, Russia’s brutality is real and ongoing. This is why Ukraine refuses to accept any “peace deal” that leaves its people in Russian hands.

For Russia, the summit was a public relations victory and a temporary reprieve from crippling sanctions. For the U.S., it was a show without substance. And for Ukraine, it was yet another reminder that their fate is often being negotiated without them at the table.

If the United States truly wants to end this war, the most effective way is still maximum economic pressure — cutting off Russia’s oil revenues and enforcing secondary sanctions without hesitation. That’s the lever that will eventually break the Kremlin’s grip.

 

You can watch the full video on this topic HERE

 

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