Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino issued a firm response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s inauguration day comments about reclaiming control over the Panama Canal, emphasizing that the canal is, and will remain, Panamanian.
“The canal belongs to Panama and will continue to belong to Panama,” Mulino stated in a post on X, rejecting Trump’s assertions outright. He further underscored that Panama’s ownership of the canal is protected under international law.
Trump’s Claims and Panama’s Rebuttal
During his inaugural speech, Trump criticized the management of the canal, claiming that American ships face unfair treatment and excessive tolls. He also alleged that China exploits the canal to Panama’s detriment, declaring, “We will take it back.”
In response, Mulino highlighted that the canal’s administration respects its neutrality and remains entirely under Panama’s jurisdiction, free from interference by any nation.
Historical Context
The 80-kilometer-long Panama Canal, built by the U.S. and operational since 1914, connects the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, significantly transforming global trade. In 1999, the canal was officially transferred to Panama under a 1977 treaty signed by then-U.S. President Jimmy Carter.
However, Trump described the transfer as a “senseless gift” and accused Panama of violating the agreement’s terms by overcharging U.S. vessels.
Regional and Global Implications
Mulino’s firm stance highlights Panama’s commitment to maintaining sovereignty over the canal while adhering to its neutrality. Trump’s remarks, meanwhile, have raised concerns about potential diplomatic tensions over one of the world’s most crucial trade routes.
As Panama celebrates over two decades of independent canal management, Trump’s rhetoric could ignite a broader debate on U.S. foreign policy and its historical influence in the region.
