The Panama Canal stands as one of our country’s most impressive engineering achievements – a literal path through mountains that revolutionized global shipping. President Trump made waves when he boldly announced his intention to “reclaim” the Panama Canal. It had been handed away by the Carter administration decades ago for the bargain basement price of… one dollar.
Let that sink in, patriots. We spent years carving through the isthmus of Panama, lost thousands of American lives to disease and accidents during construction, created one of the world’s most important waterways, and then just… gave it away. Trump isn’t having it anymore.
According to recent reports, the President has ordered the U.S. military to develop comprehensive plans for retaking control of the Panama Canal, with options ranging from diplomatic partnerships to more direct approaches if necessary.
From ‘The Daily Wire’:
President Donald Trump has reportedly ordered the U.S. military to come up with a variety of options for retaking the Panama Canal as he seeks to push communist China from operating around the canal.
Making America’s Canal Great Again
The United States Southern Command isn’t wasting any time following the President’s directive. They’re already hard at work developing strategies that could see American influence restored to this critical waterway that our grandfathers built with American sweat, ingenuity, and determination.
Why is Trump so determined to reclaim this piece of American-built infrastructure? It’s simple – the agreement has been “violated very severely,” according to the President. When we transferred control to Panama, it wasn’t so they could cozy up to communist China.
“It was given away by the Carter administration for $1, but that agreement has been violated very severely,” Trump declared during his address to Congress. “We didn’t give it to China. We gave it to Panama, and we’re taking it back.”
Uncle Sam Means Business
According to officials familiar with the planning, the United States taking control of Panama isn’t being ruled out, though it would likely only happen if increased military presence fails to achieve Trump’s goal.
The President wants American service members to be visible in the canal zone as a show of force, sending a clear message about American resolve and ownership. Two U.S. officials told NBC News that while a military seizure of the canal is considered less likely, it remains an option depending on how much Panama’s security forces agree to partner with the United States.
The Dragon at Our Doorstep
Why the urgency? China’s growing influence around the Panama Canal represents a significant national security concern. Gen. Laura Richardson, then the commander of United States Southern Command, warned Congress last year that China is “playing the long game” with its economic development projects worldwide, using them as cover to advance military interests.
The Trump administration argues that China has established too large a presence near the canal. Officials warn that in the event of a conflict, Beijing could potentially shut down the canal to American shipping, including military vessels.
Waves in the Diplomatic Waters
International law experts note that any move by a foreign power to take the canal by force would likely violate international law. Boo-hoo. It seems clear that Panama cares more about helping China than their neighbors. They are likely doing more harm than anything we have planned.
Already, Trump is seeing results. A Hong Kong-based conglomerate recently agreed to sell its stake in key Panama Canal ports to a consortium led by Blackrock Inc., though the Panama Canal Authority continues to insist that the canal remains under Panamanian authority.
Regaining control of the Panama Canal wouldn’t just be a win for American foreign policy – it would benefit everyday Americans too. Securing this vital shipping lane could mean lower prices on imported goods, more jobs in the maritime industry, and the pride of knowing that a great American achievement is once again in American hands.
Key Takeaways:
- President Trump has ordered military plans to reclaim the Panama Canal, citing agreement violations and growing Chinese influence.
- Options range from diplomatic partnerships to military action, with U.S. Southern Command leading strategic planning.
- The administration views Chinese presence near this critical waterway as a direct threat to American national security interests.
Sources: Daily Wire, The Guardian, Newsweek
