As Donald Trump prepares to reenter the presidency of the United States, he has begun making threats to retake the Panama Canal as well. Trump has claimed that Panama is charging ridiculous fees for the use of the canal, despite the US’s past generosity towards the country. He has also baselessly alleged that Chinese troops are operating the canal, when in fact it was previously under US control until 1999. Trump’s remarks have sparked controversy and criticism for their lack of truth and motive.
The relationship between the US and Panama has been marked by a history of US intervention and control. The US military’s Operation Just Cause in 1989 resulted in thousands of civilian deaths and the surrender of Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega. Noriega’s removal paved the way for increased involvement in the international drug trade by Panama’s ruling class, undermining any claims of US generosity towards the country. The history of the Panama Canal Zone, with its racial segregation and US military presence, further illustrates the complex power dynamics at play.
The construction of the Panama Canal in 1914 was a symbol of US dominance and ambition on the global stage. The project claimed many lives and relied on exploited labor from chain-gangs, reflecting a darker aspect of US history. The Canal’s creation was driven by President Theodore Roosevelt’s vision of American destiny and global power, leading to the birth of Panama as a nation in 1903 and the ceding of territory and sovereignty to the US.
Panama continues to bear the scars of its history as a puppet state serving US interests. The legacy of US involvement in Panama, including the flag riots of 1964 and ongoing influence in the country, underscores the lasting impact of imperialism. Trump’s own ties to Panama, through a luxury condo with connections to organized crime, further highlight the complex relationship between the US and Panama and the enduring influence of US power in the region.
Trump’s recent threats to retake the Panama Canal are part of his “America First” rhetoric aimed at energizing his base with claims of US victimhood and entitlement. These statements are viewed as part of a broader pattern of US imperialism and manipulation of foreign nations for its own interests. Despite the facade of respect, the US continues to exert its dominance over other countries, including Panama, in pursuit of its own geopolitical agenda.
