WASHINGTON (TNND) — President-elect Donald Trump has reignited discussions about the U.S. controlling the Panama Canal, arguing it's pivotal for American commerce. On his Truth Social account, Trump stated, "When President Jimmy Carter foolishly gave it away, for One Dollar, during his term in office, it was solely for Panama to manage, not China, or anyone else." He called upon Panamanian authorities to collaborate upon his return to the Oval Office.
The canal, opened in 1914 during Theodore Roosevelt's presidency, is considered one of the engineering marvels of the modern era. It was constructed with enormous commitment from the U.S., costing approximately $375 million and resulting in the loss of over 38,000 American lives largely due to diseases like malaria and yellow fever. While the U.S. relinquished control of the waterway to Panama by the year 2000 through the 1977 Carter-Torrijos treaties, Trump's remarks raise questions about the decision's long-term viability and fairness.
Meghan McCain, daughter of the late Senator John McCain, came forward to endorse Trump's call. "Trump is right about the Panama Canal," she tweeted. "This is very personal — my dad was born in the Panama Canal Zone." McCain's emotional connection to the canal reflects its historical significance, albeit complicated by her father's complex history with Trump.
Trump's assertion attracted immediate backlash from Panama's president, José Raúl Mulino, who stated, "Every square meter of the canal belongs to Panama and will continue to belong." Mulino emphasized national sovereignty, urging unity among Panamanians on this issue. He posted a video addressing Trump's statements, seeking to quell uncertainties about Panama's rightful ownership.
Though the canal is under Panamanian control, Trump's recent comments have stirred debate over the historical events leading to its transfer. Critics claim the treaties aimed to resolve pre-existing tensions but mistakenly ceded too much U.S. power over this valuable asset. Trump's argument ties future U.S.-Panama relations to the historical narratives and the sacrifices made by Americans during its construction.
During his social media interaction, Trump also highlighted rising transit fees under Panamanian management. He described the current pricing as "ridiculous" and declared this charged amount as nothing short of a "complete rip-off" of the U.S. economy, reflecting concerns about inequitable treatment. His messages seem to assert the convocation of fairness and reciprocity based on past American investments.
While Trump's comments align with his broader agenda of reassessing international treaties during his tenure, they raise questions about the dynamics of U.S.-Latin American relations today. The Panama Canal not only plays a significant role for trade — with over 70% of its transits involving U.S. ports — but it is fundamental for national defense and naval expeditions as well.
Historically, the canal facilitated swift naval deployments and continues to be instrumental for U.S. economic and defense interests. Still, the increasing fees and management decisions of Panama's authorities have driven concerns about the 'American lane' becoming less accessible under the current treaties.
Trump's proposed reclamation reflects his aggressive negotiation style often mirrored from his business perspective. Political science professor Stephen Farnsworth highlighted this tendency, stating, "You ask something unreasonable, and it’s more likely you can get something less unreasonable." This strategy has seemingly influenced his discourse on various allied nations, from Canada to now Panama.
The Panama Canal, emblematic of American determination and sacrifice, finds itself at the heart of this new discussion spurred by Trump. How the new administration will handle these negotiations with Panama remains uncertain but will undoubtedly have ramifications for future dealings with Latin American countries and global trade.
With his bold assertions, Trump has jumped right back onto the world stage, obsessively questioning historical decisions and demanding revisions. The Panama Canal, much more than just infrastructure, remains laden with narratives of power, influence, and the sacrifices intrinsic to its creation, urging us to reconsider not just its control but the very fabric of international relations.
