Former President Donald Trump’s recent remarks about reclaiming control of the Panama Canal have sparked international controversy and drawn criticism from Russia and Panama.
At a Glance
- Trump expressed intentions to acquire the Panama Canal and rename the Gulf of Mexico
- Panama’s President firmly rejected Trump’s claims, affirming Panama’s ownership of the canal
- Russia warned Trump against seizing the canal, emphasizing respect for international treaties
- The Panama Canal is crucial for global sea trade, accounting for 2.5% of world trade
- Trump’s statements have reignited debates about the canal’s sovereignty and management
Trump’s Controversial Statements
During his second inaugural address, former President Donald Trump made headlines with his provocative statements regarding the Panama Canal and the Gulf of Mexico.
Trump not only expressed his intention to acquire the Panama Canal but also proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.” These remarks have ignited a firestorm of international reactions and raised questions about the implications for global trade and geopolitical relations.
Trump means business and the world knows it.
Trump’s rhetoric included references to the 19th-century expansionist doctrine of “Manifest Destiny” and praise for former Presidents like William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt. He criticized the transfer of the Panama Canal to Panama, calling it a “foolish gift” and accusing China of operating the canal.
“We are going to be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America,” former President Donald Trump said.
Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino swiftly responded to Trump’s claims, firmly rejecting them and reaffirming Panama’s ownership and administration of the canal. Mulino emphasized that the canal is under Panamanian control and denied any foreign interference, particularly from China, in its administration.
“On behalf of the Republic of Panama and its people, I must reject in a comprehensive manner the words outlined by President Donald Trump regarding Panama and its canal, in his inaugural speech,” Panama President Jose Raul Mulino said.
We’ll see how that goes.
The Panama Canal was transferred to Panama on December 31, 1999, under a treaty signed by former US President Jimmy Carter. This treaty allows the US to maintain and operate the canal but does not permit US ownership. The canal’s administrator has stated that China does not control the canal and all nations are treated equally.
In an unexpected turn of events, Russia has also issued a warning to President Trump against seizing the Panama Canal. Alexander Shchetinin, Director of the Latin American Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, emphasized the importance of respecting the current international legal regime of the Panama Canal.
“We expect that during the expected discussions between the leadership of Panama and US President Donald Trump on issues of control over the Panama Canal, which certainly falls within the sphere of their bilateral relations, the parties will respect the current international legal regime of this key waterway,” Alexander Shchetinin said, according to Russian state media outlet TASS.
Russia reaffirmed its commitment to the neutrality of the Panama Canal, advocating for its safety and openness as an international transit waterway. Shchetinin highlighted the treaty’s stipulation that both the U.S. and Panama must protect the canal’s neutrality without interfering in Panama’s internal affairs.
The Panama Canal’s Importance
There’s a reason Russia is panicking.
The Panama Canal is a crucial 51-mile trade route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, saving ships a 7,000-mile journey around South America. It accounts for 2.5% of global sea trade and 40% of US container traffic. However, the canal has faced reduced traffic due to drought conditions, with a 29% decrease in vessel transit in the past fiscal year.
“The purpose of our deal and the spirit of our treaty has been totally violated. American ships are being severely overcharged and not treated fairly in any way, shape, or form. And that includes the United States Navy,” former President Donald Trump said.
While Trump has not detailed how he would take over the canal, he has not ruled out military or economic force. This stance has raised concerns about potential conflicts and the implications for international trade and relations.