Former President Donald Trump has reignited tensions by proposing the United States should retake control of the Panama Canal and reassert claims over Greenland, drawing fierce backlash from leaders and citizens of Panama.
Speaking at a conservative conference, Trump lamented what he described as "ridiculous, highly unfair" fees imposed by Panama for the use of the canal, stating, "If the rip off does not stop, we will demand the canal be returned to the United States."
Although the Panama Canal, constructed and managed by the U.S. until 1999, was handed over to Panama under treaties signed decades earlier, Trump’s recent claims suggest his foreign policy vision may be shifting toward dominance and assertiveness.
"The (Panamanian) people have shown... we are not going to give it up again," said Jorge Guzman, a protester during rallies denouncing Trump's statements.
The Panama Canal is integral to U.S. trade, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the narrow isthmus of Panama. Its strategic importance extends beyond trade, as it has been viewed through the lens of national security, especially amid rising tensions with China, which is the second-largest user of the canal.
Will Freeman, from the Council on Foreign Relations, pointed out, "There's a real U.S. national security interest... in controlling its neutrality," referring to Trump’s concern over China's growing influence on the waterway. Following Trump's remarks, Panama's President José Raúl Mulino firmly stated, "Every square meter of the canal belongs to Panama and will continue to."
The President’s resolute stance was echoed by the sentiment on the streets of the capital, where protests erupted outside the U.S. embassy, with demonstrators chanting against Trump.
Historically, the U.S. controlled the Panama Canal until December 31, 1999, after negotiating treaties primarily during President Jimmy Carter's administration which acknowledged Panama's sovereignty over the canal. Local authorities maintain the territory has been efficiently administered since the transition, with traffic increasing significantly since then. Former administrator Jorge Luis Quijano remarked on the improvements under Panamanian management.
Critics of Trump's assertions highlight the legally binding nature of the treaties, with Quijano stating, "There's no clause of any kind... to recover territory." With these agreements firmly established, experts suggest any attempt to reclaim the canal would be implausible without significant geopolitical repercussions.
Trump's comments appear partly motivated by his broader "America First" rhetoric, which resonates with his base. His affinity for bluster and aggressive negotiation tactics has previously won him political support domestically, such as threats of tariffs affecting trade relations with allies.
The reaction to Trump’s comments about Greenland was similarly met with disdain. He reiterated his belief during social media postings, claiming ownership of the territory is necessary for U.S. national security interests, referencing its natural resources and strategic location.
"Panama is a sovereign territory... Trump and his imperial delusion cannot claim even a single centimeter of land in Panama," said Saul Mendez, highlighting the prevailing unity among Panamanians when it came to defending their sovereignty.
The compelling history surrounding both the Panama Canal and Greenland signifies the entrenched nature of national sovereignty and territorial rights. It's clear the sentiments expressed by Panama's populace reaffirm their collective resolve to preserve their national identity and territorial integrity against any external pressures.
"The (Panamanian) people have shown... we are not going to give it up again," said protester Jorge Guzman during mass demonstrations challenging Trump’s rhetoric.
This latest episode of Trump's foreign policy posturing raises questions not only about U.S.-Panama relations but also about broader U.S. engagement with Central America and how future administrations may navigate the delicate balance of asserting national interests without infringing on the sovereignty of allied nations.
With claims of unfair pricing for canal use and Trump's warnings about China, the future of discussions between the United States and Panama remains uncertain and likely contentious. The world will be watching closely as these international relationships evolve under the shadow of Trump's declarations.
