Donald J. Trump’s recent comments about potentially seizing the Panama Canal have ignited unease among Panamanians, despite many dismissing the insinuations. The foreign minister asserts the canal belongs to Panama, amidst fears of a return to U.S. intervention.
Trump's Canal Comments Spark Concern in Panama
Trump's Canal Comments Spark Concern in Panama
President-elect's provocative remarks elicit strong responses from Panamanian officials
President-elect Donald J. Trump’s audacious remark regarding the potential reclamation of the Panama Canal has sent shockwaves throughout Panama, a nation with a history marked by U.S. military presence and invasion. Speaking to reporters, Trump suggested that the U.S. might reclaim control of the canal, a comment that many Panamanians took as unsettling, even if they did not fully believe in the seriousness of the threat.
In immediate response to Trump’s comments, Panama’s Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha emphasized that the sovereignty of the canal is non-negotiable. “The canal belongs to the Panamanians and it will continue to be that way,” he stated emphatically during a news briefing. His remarks underline the historical significance of the canal to the nation and its struggle for autonomy.
Experts suggest that Trump’s comments were likely aimed at intimidating the Panamanian government into offering concessions for American maritime interests. By sending this message, Trump may also be addressing broader regional challenges, particularly concerning migration and diplomatic relations in Latin America.
Benjamin Gedan, director of the Latin America Program at the Wilson Center, articulated concerns about the legitimacy of any potential U.S. action, warning that it would be seen unfavorably and could destabilize the already crucial waterway. He remarked, “No one would see it as a legitimate act, and it would bring not only grievous damage to its image but instability to the canal.”
The Panamanian government remains committed to preserving its sovereignty, with officials making it clear that the canal's status as a vital historical asset will not be subject to U.S. whims, whether expressed through intimidation or not.
In immediate response to Trump’s comments, Panama’s Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha emphasized that the sovereignty of the canal is non-negotiable. “The canal belongs to the Panamanians and it will continue to be that way,” he stated emphatically during a news briefing. His remarks underline the historical significance of the canal to the nation and its struggle for autonomy.
Experts suggest that Trump’s comments were likely aimed at intimidating the Panamanian government into offering concessions for American maritime interests. By sending this message, Trump may also be addressing broader regional challenges, particularly concerning migration and diplomatic relations in Latin America.
Benjamin Gedan, director of the Latin America Program at the Wilson Center, articulated concerns about the legitimacy of any potential U.S. action, warning that it would be seen unfavorably and could destabilize the already crucial waterway. He remarked, “No one would see it as a legitimate act, and it would bring not only grievous damage to its image but instability to the canal.”
The Panamanian government remains committed to preserving its sovereignty, with officials making it clear that the canal's status as a vital historical asset will not be subject to U.S. whims, whether expressed through intimidation or not.
