Donald Trump said he was taking the Panama Canal back in his inauguration speech. It was a revenge move because Panama called out his companies’ corruption. Panamanians will never allow the recreation of an apartheid sub-state to run the canal that is rightfully theirs.
Trump says he is taking back the Panama Canal.
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Summary
Donald Trump’s recent speech calling for the U.S. to “take back” the Panama Canal is filled with historical inaccuracies, nationalistic rhetoric, and personal vendettas. Trump falsely claims that the canal was built with American lives and money, distorts Panama’s sovereignty, and blames China for supposedly controlling the canal. His threats to retake the canal stem from personal grievances over failed business ventures in Panama, including accusations of tax evasion and mismanagement. This dangerous rhetoric ignores international treaties, violates Panamanian sovereignty, and risks destabilizing a vital global trade route.
Key Points
- Historical Inaccuracies: Trump falsely claims that 38,000 Americans died building the canal, ignoring that most workers were exploited Caribbean laborers.
- Treaty Misrepresentation: The canal’s transfer to Panama in 1999 followed decades of apartheid and colonial-style U.S. control and was governed by the Torrijos-Carter Treaties.
- China Misinformation: Trump falsely asserts that China operates the canal, misleading the public about its administration by Panama.
- Personal Vendettas: Trump’s threats are rooted in grievances over failed Panama business ventures, including lawsuits for tax evasion and management disputes.
- Geopolitical Recklessness: Any attempt to seize the canal would violate international law, destabilize the region, and render the canal unusable.
Progressive Perspective
Trump’s rhetoric on the Panama Canal is a dangerous mix of historical revisionism and personal pettiness that threatens global stability. This nationalist bluster exemplifies his disregard for international norms and his willingness to exploit public fears for personal gain. Progressives must reject these divisive tactics, advocate for respect for treaties, and promote global cooperation to ensure a fairer, more just international order.
