In a series of recent posts on TruthSocial, President-elect Donald Trump ignited a debate over the Panama Canal, urging that it should be “returned to us, in full, and without question” if moral and legal principles are not followed.
The Panama Canal is a vital national asset for the United States, and it’s time to reassess control over this strategic waterway.
A Vital American Asset
The Panama Canal has played an essential role in American history. This feat not only boosted American trade but also helped establish the United States as a global naval power.
“The canal was essential to American sea power. Once we became a two-ocean Navy, the canal was critical,” says Craig Mueller, a retired naval officer from Nevada.
Indeed, the canal’s strategic importance extends far beyond trade. It allows the U.S. Navy to quickly move ships between the Atlantic and Pacific, which has been vital for national defense.
In fact, the U.S. remains the biggest user of the canal, accounting for over 70% of its traffic. With that much dependence on this narrow waterway, many argue that it’s worth reconsidering who controls it.
The Deal Made with Panama
In 1999, the U.S. handed over control of the canal to Panama under the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, negotiated in the late 1970s under the Carter administration. In return, Panama received a token payment of just one dollar.
Trump has publicly criticized the treaty, calling it a “disastrous deal.” His main concern isn’t just the transfer of ownership—it’s the growing influence of foreign countries, especially China, in the management of the canal.
Chinese company Hutchison Port Holdings, which operates major terminals at both ends of the canal, is a key example. Critics worry that China’s increasing involvement in the region could have serious consequences for U.S. interests.
A Threat from China?
One of Trump’s main concerns is that the Panama Canal is falling into the “wrong hands.” He argues that China’s growing influence in the region, through investments in infrastructure like the canal, could pose a threat to America’s economic and military strength.
“The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, highly unfair,” Trump said during a recent rally in Phoenix. “We’re being ripped off at the Panama Canal like we’re being ripped off everywhere else.”
Opponents of Trump’s view, including Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino, defend their country’s management of the canal. Mulino insists that Panama is simply fulfilling its obligations and that the rates charged are based on market conditions, not “whim.” Furthermore, he points out that water shortages in the region have added complications to the canal’s operations.
Some Naval experts like Mueller -a confessed ‘map geek'- argue that reclaiming the canal may not be a simple fix, saying:
“We’ve seen prolonged droughts in Panama. Water levels have dropped, which affects the canal’s ability to handle large ships.”
Mueller, also points out that upgrading the canal to handle these larger ships could take decades and would be an expensive and time-consuming process, and notes that other projects for passageways have been explored in recent years.
Why Does It Matter to Conservatives?
For conservatives, this issue is about much more than just trade. It’s about ensuring the U.S. retains its position as a global power and doesn’t allow foreign interests to dictate terms that could undermine American security and economic interests.
In the end, the Panama Canal is more than just a waterway—it’s a symbol of U.S. power. And as Trump’s posts remind us, it’s worth asking whether it’s still in the right hands.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
