Trump is 100% right. Carter should have never given up the Panama Canal. Let’s reclaim it. pic.twitter.com/4qStwoSzUX
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) December 22, 2024
Listen to a convo on Trump and the plans on the Panama Canal…. MUCH more below
Donald Trump, in social media posts, threatens to reclaim the Panama Canal from Panama due to what he considers exorbitant transit fees charged to US ships. He frames this as a violation of the 1977 agreement transferring ownership, citing the Canal’s critical importance to US economic and national security. Trump also expresses concern about China’s growing influence in the region, particularly its involvement in infrastructure projects near the Canal. His statements have prompted a response from Panamanian officials who are preparing a formal reply. The articles highlight the historical context of the Canal’s construction and transfer of ownership.
Okay, here’s a briefing document summarizing the key themes and information from the provided sources regarding Donald Trump’s statements about the Panama Canal:
Briefing Document: Donald Trump’s Statements on the Panama Canal
Date: October 26, 2023 (assumed based on general context)
Subject: Analysis of Donald Trump’s recent social media posts concerning the Panama Canal and potential US intervention.
1. Executive Summary
This briefing analyzes statements made by Donald Trump on social media regarding the Panama Canal. Trump threatens to retake control of the canal if Panama does not lower transit fees for U.S. ships, which he deems a “rip-off”. He emphasizes the canal’s vital importance to the U.S. economy and national security, highlighting the history of American involvement in its construction and the 1977 transfer agreement. He also raises concerns about China’s growing influence in the region.
2. Key Themes
- Economic Grievance: Trump frames the situation as Panama unfairly exploiting the U.S. through “exorbitant” transit fees. He uses strong language like “rip-off” to convey his dissatisfaction. He argues that the canal’s transfer to Panama was not intended to allow Panama to charge high prices.
- Quote (Breitbart): “It was likewise not given for Panama to charge the United States, its Navy, and corporations, doing business within our Country, exorbitant prices and rates of passage. Our Navy and Commerce have been treated in a very unfair and injudicious way. The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous…”
- National Security Imperative: Trump emphasizes the Panama Canal’s critical role in U.S. commerce and naval power. He highlights its importance for rapid deployment of the Navy between the Atlantic and Pacific.
- Quote (Breitbart): “The Panama Canal is considered a VITAL National Asset for the United States, due to its critical role to America’s Economy and National…A secure Panama Canal is crucial for U.S. Commerce, and rapid deployment of the Navy, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and drastically cuts shipping times to U.S. ports.”
- Historical Justification: Trump invokes the history of U.S. involvement in building the canal, emphasizing the significant American investment in terms of lives and money. He characterizes the transfer of ownership in 1977 as a “foolish” act. He also references the death toll during construction to reinforce the magnitude of the U.S. investment and sacrifice.
- Quote (Breitbart): “Considered one of the Wonders of the Modern World, the Panama Canal opened for business 110 years ago, and was built at HUGE cost to the United States in lives and treasure – 38,000 American men died from infected mosquitos in the jungles during construction.”
- Threat of Intervention: Trump explicitly threatens to demand the return of the canal to the United States if his concerns about fees are not addressed, suggesting a potential disregard for the existing 1977 treaty. He says they would “demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us, in full, and without question.”
- Concerns about Chinese Influence: Trump suggests that China is seeking to influence the canal. This concern is linked to China’s increased involvement in infrastructure projects around the canal, including port leases.
- Quote (Telegraph): He added that the canal was “solely for Panama to manage, not China, or anyone else”, in an apparent suggestion that Beijing is seeking to influence the strategic waterway.
3. Key Facts & Figures
- US Usage: The U.S. is the number one user of the canal, with approximately 70-75% of all transits going to or from U.S. ports.
- Canal History: The canal was started by the French and completed by the U.S. in 1914. The U.S. handed over control to Panama in 1999, as agreed in a 1977 treaty signed by President Jimmy Carter.
- Transit Volume: Approximately 14,000 ships transit the canal each year.
- Water Issues: Droughts have recently reduced throughput, causing increased competition and higher prices.
- Chinese Involvement: Chinese companies have become heavily involved in infrastructure projects, including ports, near the canal. This includes long-term port leases and construction.
4. Analysis
- Strong Rhetoric: Trump employs highly charged language and a narrative of exploitation to galvanize support and pressure Panama. His statements frame the issue as a matter of U.S. national interest and suggest a willingness to act unilaterally.
- Potential for Conflict: Trump’s threat to retake the canal if fees aren’t reduced could strain relations with Panama and potentially lead to a diplomatic or even military confrontation.
- Historical Interpretation: Trump’s view of the 1977 treaty as “foolish” is controversial. The treaty was a carefully negotiated agreement intended to improve relations with Latin America. His emphasis on U.S. generosity suggests a feeling of entitlement and disregard for sovereign agreements.
- Geopolitical Dimension: The focus on China’s involvement adds a layer of geopolitical tension. This reinforces a growing narrative of competition and concerns about Chinese influence, which may be used to justify U.S. action.
5. Outstanding Questions:
- What specific actions is Trump contemplating if his demands are not met?
- What is the legal basis for retaking the canal given the 1977 treaty?
- How will the international community react to a unilateral U.S. move?
- What is the formal response from the Panamanian government?
6. Conclusion
Donald Trump’s statements about the Panama Canal reveal a willingness to challenge established international agreements based on his view of U.S. interests. His rhetoric, concerns about excessive fees, and accusations of a “rip-off” indicate a potential for aggressive action. The combination of economic grievances, national security concerns, historical claims, and fears of Chinese influence create a complex situation with significant diplomatic and geopolitical implications. It is crucial to monitor the Panamanian response and any follow-up actions by Trump.
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