On Tuesday, Donald Trump reiterated his goal of reclaiming the Panama Canal, a mission he humorously yet somewhat seriously assigned to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Trump quipped, "Marco Rubio is in charge, good luck, Marco. If things don't turn out well, we know who to blame," drawing laughter from several congress members. However, it was unclear if the Cuban-American Rubio found it amusing, as he appeared serious throughout the president's address.
Trump praised Rubio, saying, "Marco has been wonderful and will do an excellent job. Think about it, he received 100 votes. He was approved with 99 votes, but the hundredth vote came from this gentleman," referring to himself. Trump further jested about Rubio's popularity, expressing mixed feelings, "This should make me very happy or worry me a lot… He's a great gentleman, everyone respects him, and we appreciate that you voted for Marco; he'll do a fantastic job. Thank you," he concluded.
From his seat, Rubio acknowledged the applause with a visible "Thank you," but the former Cuban-American senator didn't appear thrilled by the president's compliments.
The Panama Canal Recovery Initiative
During his congressional speech, Trump asserted that the United States "will not allow China to continue expanding its control over a strategic global trade route." He clarified, "We didn't hand it over to China, but to Panama." Trump boasted, "To enhance our national security, my administration will reclaim the Panama Canal, and we've already started."
He mentioned the acquisition of the Balboa and Cristóbal ports, located at the Canal's entrances, by the American investment firm BlackRock. Previously managed by the Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison, these ports will now be operated by the American company, which Trump described as "the first step."
Trump emphasized that the Panama Canal was constructed with American resources for the benefit of global trade, criticizing the handover agreement signed during Jimmy Carter's administration as "an unwarranted concession." According to Trump, this treaty "has been violated and manipulated by China," prompting his administration to take action to reverse the situation.
The announcement elicited an immediate response from Panama. José Raúl Mulino, the Panamanian president, voiced his stance on the matter, asserting that his government would protect the nation's interests. In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, Mulino accused Trump of lying. "Once again, President Trump lies. The Panama Canal is not in the process of being reclaimed, and this was not discussed in our conversations with Secretary Rubio or anyone else. On behalf of Panama and all Panamanians, I reject this new affront to the truth and our dignity as a nation," Mulino declared.
He further stated, "Our cooperation with the U.S. is based on clear understandings around mutual interests, as has been the case. It has nothing to do with 'reclaiming the Canal' or undermining our national sovereignty. The Canal is Panamanian and will remain so!"
Mulino also declared in a press conference, "Panama has a clear foreign policy and will defend its sovereignty in all international forums. Our relationship with the United States is crucial, but we also have commitments with other trade partners. We will act with prudence and determination." Panama's firm stance suggests that Marco Rubio might find it challenging to fulfill the complex mission assigned to him.
Key Questions on Trump's Panama Canal Claims
Why does Trump want to reclaim the Panama Canal?
Trump aims to prevent China's growing influence over this strategic trade route and enhance U.S. national security.
What is Panama's response to Trump's announcement?
Panama's president, José Raúl Mulino, denied any plans for the U.S. to reclaim the Canal and emphasized Panama's sovereignty over it.
How does the acquisition of ports relate to Trump's plan?
The acquisition of Balboa and Cristóbal ports by BlackRock is seen as the first step in Trump's plan to increase U.S. influence over the Panama Canal.