Trump’s Bold Promise: US to Reclaim Panama Canal Amidst Peacemaker Agenda

US to Retake Panama Canal: Analyzing Trump’s Vow and Its Global Implications

In his second inaugural address on January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump declared that the United States would “take back” the Panama Canal, a statement that has raised concerns in Panama and among international observers.

The Panama Canal, a vital waterway for global trade, was transferred to Panama’s control in 1999 under the Torrijos-Carter Treaties.

Since then, it has been managed by the Panama Canal Authority, generating significant revenue for the country.

President Trump’s recent remarks suggest a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy, reminiscent of the Monroe Doctrine, which historically asserted U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere.

However, such a move would likely face substantial legal, diplomatic, and logistical challenges, given the established international agreements and Panama’s sovereignty over the canal.

Panama’s President, José Raúl Mulino, has firmly rejected President Trump’s claims, emphasizing that the canal is an “inalienable patrimony” of Panama and denying any unfair treatment of U.S. vessels.

The international community is closely monitoring this development, as any attempt to alter the status of the Panama Canal could have significant geopolitical implications.