Former President Donald Trump has once again made headlines with his latest threat to try and regain control of the Panama Canal. In a recent interview, Trump stated that he believes the United States has the right to “take back” the strategic waterway, which has been under Panamanian control since 1999.
The Panama Canal is a crucial waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, allowing ships to avoid the lengthy and dangerous journey around the southern tip of South America. The canal plays a vital role in global trade, with billions of dollars worth of goods passing through it each year.
Trump’s comments have sparked outrage and concern among both the Panamanian government and the international community. Panama’s Foreign Minister, Erika Mouynes, quickly responded to Trump’s threat, stating that the canal is “not up for negotiation” and that Panama will defend its sovereignty at all costs.
Many experts have also criticized Trump’s remarks, pointing out that the Panama Canal was returned to Panama as part of a treaty signed in 1977, which aimed to rectify the long history of U.S. intervention in the region. The treaty has been seen as a symbol of Panama’s sovereignty and independence, and any attempt by the United States to reclaim control of the canal would likely be met with fierce opposition.
Despite the backlash, Trump has doubled down on his threat, claiming that the United States has the right to “take back what was rightfully ours.” He has not provided any specifics on how he plans to achieve this goal, but his rhetoric has raised concerns about the potential for further destabilization in the region.
It remains to be seen whether Trump’s threat is just bluster or if he has a concrete plan to try and regain control of the Panama Canal. Regardless, his comments have once again highlighted the controversial and confrontational approach he took during his presidency, and have reignited debates about U.S. foreign policy in Latin America.