After his speech, Trump shared an image on Truth Social of an American flag over a body of water, commenting: “Welcome to the United States Canal!” He remarked, “Has anyone ever heard of the Panama Canal? Because we’re being ripped off at the Panama Canal like we’re being ripped off everywhere else.”
Trump’s comments marked a rare instance of a U.S. leader suggesting the possibility of reclaiming territory from a sovereign nation. He reiterated that the Panama Canal, once owned by the U.S. and handed to Panama decades ago, could be taken back if Panama failed to uphold the agreement made when the canal was returned.
Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino responded in a recorded message, asserting Panama’s independence and rejecting Trump’s claims. He defended the canal’s toll rates, stating they were not arbitrarily set and denied Chinese influence over the canal’s administration. While China does not control the canal itself, a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings has managed ports at the canal’s entrances.
Trump’s comments also echoed his previous territorial musings, including the idea of making Canada a U.S. state and attempting to purchase Greenland, a suggestion that was rejected by Denmark in 2019.
The Panama Canal is crucial for global trade, handling 2.5% of seaborne trade. While Trump’s statement has drawn global attention, it remains unclear how he would seek to regain control over the canal, as any attempt would have no legal standing under international law.
Mulino firmly asserted that the Panama Canal belongs entirely to Panama and will continue to do so, despite Trump’s challenge.
