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Folks, the next four years are going to be absolutely incredible to experience.
Unlike anything we’ve seen before.
Why do I say that?
Because less than one hour ago, President Trump put Panama on notice for a SECOND time that the USA will be retaking control of the Panama Canal:
President Trump AGAIN Puts Panama’s President On Notice That We’re Taking Back The Panama Canal!
And now he’s turned his focus to Greenland!
Yes, Greenland.
You might recall back in 2019 President Trump very famously declared he wanted to buy Greenland.
Remember this?
It didn’t happen back then, but it looks like he’s very keen on making it happen in his second term.
So just imagine this….
We retake the Panama Canal.
We purchase Greenland.
And I won’t even get in to Canada right now!
You are in for a wild four years!
It all stems from a new post President Trump just posted to his TruthSocial:
IT IS HAPPENING pic.twitter.com/b37QR96VRE
— Shawn Farash (@Shawn_Farash) December 23, 2024
Here’s a closer look with the key part highlighted:
Yes, the post is real, I confirmed it myself.
Here is my personal screenshot:
Keep in mind, this all comes on the heels of President Trump also declaring we will be retaking the Panama Canal:
President Trump AGAIN Puts Panama’s President On Notice That We’re Taking Back The Panama Canal!
Greenland.
Canada.
The Panama Canal.
How many territories will be added to the United States after President Trump’s Second Term is over in 2029?
The latest property the real estate mogul has set his sights on is returning the control of the Panama Canal to the United States and he’s now brought it up not once but twice!
It all started yesterday when President Trump suddenly posted this to his Truth Social:
BREAKING: Donald Trump says he may demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States. pic.twitter.com/Jh6zPx4urh — Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) December 21, 2024
Here’s the full image:
And full text if this is easier for you to read:
The Panama Canal is considered a VITAL National Asset for the United States, due to its critical role to America’s Economy and National Security. 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. The United States is the Number One user of the Canal, with over 70 percent of all transits heading to, or from, U.S. ports. 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. Teddy Roosevelt was President of the United States at the time of its building, and understood the strength of Naval Power and Trade.
When President Jimmy Carter foolishly gave it away, for One Dollar, during his term in Office, it was solely for Panama to manage, not China, or anyone else. 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, especially knowing the extraordinary generosity that has been bestowed to Panama by the U.S. This complete “rip-off” of our Country will immediately stop….
This sounds to me like President Trump is not just making wild accusations, but instead is firmly rooted in some very good and solid legal logic.
It sounds to me like he’s making a case for Panama breaching the contract terms in which we (foolishly) sold the Canal to Panama under the Carter Administration.
And we all know what happens when you breach a contract, it invalidates it and perhaps the remedies are that it goes back to it’s rightful owner (USA).
Oh my!
I even asked Grok if President Trump had solid ground to stand on here, and it said yes, laying out the following strategy:
President Trump could adopt a multifaceted approach combining legal arguments, negotiation tactics, and geopolitical strategy if he aimed to revisit the control of the Panama Canal. Here’s an optimistic scenario based on available information:
Legal Arguments:
Reinterpretation of the Torrijos-Carter Treaties: Trump might argue that the conditions under which the canal was transferred have not been met, particularly if there’s evidence or a plausible interpretation that Panama has not upheld its side of the agreement concerning canal neutrality or management practices. This could be based on claims that the current management or pricing structure violates the spirit or letter of the treaties.
New Treaty or Treaty Amendment: By engaging in diplomatic discussions, Trump could push for a new treaty or amendments to existing ones, under the guise of modernizing the agreement to reflect current global trade needs, which could include terms more favorable to the U.S. or even joint management scenarios to ensure American interests are protected.
International Law and Arbitration: If there’s a dispute, Trump might suggest resolving it through international arbitration under bodies like the International Court of Justice or through direct negotiation, leveraging the U.S.’s position as a major global player and canal user to influence the outcome.
Negotiation Tactics:
Economic Leverage: Trump could use economic incentives or threats, such as trade deals or tariffs, to pressure Panama into renegotiating the terms of the canal’s management or usage fees. This would play into his known strategy of using economic clout in foreign policy negotiations.
Security and Strategic Interests: Emphasizing the canal’s strategic importance for global trade and U.S. security, Trump might argue that any management that could potentially fall under influence of countries like China (as hinted in some of his comments) would be detrimental to global stability and thus, require a U.S. oversight or control mechanism.
Public and International Opinion: Trump could use his platform to rally public opinion both domestically and internationally, arguing that the U.S. has been unfairly treated or that the current
President Trump explains more here when he was speaking with Tucker:
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
Now let’s advance the story, because that all happened yesterday.
Today, in response to the President of Panama saying “every square meter of the Panama Canal belong to Panama”, President Trump responded with “We’ll see about that!”
Oh my!
And yes, I verified this is a legit post on his Truth Social, not a photoshop.
I took the screenshot myself.
So is this next one….just one moment after posting that, he posted this image with caption: “Welcome to the United States Canal!”
In case you aren’t fully up to speed on your history, I’ll end with this recap of how we got to this point and why we don’t currently own the Panama Canal:
The Panama Canal is a remarkable engineering feat that drastically transformed global trade by linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The United States’ involvement in building the canal and the subsequent relinquishment of control provide insight into both American ambition and evolving geopolitics.
Background and the Need for a Canal
For centuries, merchants and governments sought a way to cut through the Isthmus of Panama, avoiding the perilous and lengthy journey around the southern tip of South America. The French began construction in the 1880s under Ferdinand de Lesseps, famous for building the Suez Canal. However, the French effort failed due to engineering challenges, high costs, and tropical diseases like malaria and yellow fever.
The United States Takes Over (1904)
In the early 20th century, the U.S. emerged as a global power and sought control of a canal in Panama to bolster trade and military mobility. The opportunity arose when Colombia, which controlled Panama, rejected a treaty that would have allowed the U.S. to build a canal.
- Panama’s Independence: In response, the U.S. supported a Panamanian independence movement in 1903. After Panama declared independence, the U.S. quickly recognized the new nation and signed the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty with Panama, granting the U.S. control over the “Canal Zone” in exchange for $10 million and an annual payment.
- Construction: From 1904 to 1914, the U.S. built the canal. Overcoming tropical diseases and the rugged terrain required significant innovation:
- The U.S. focused on eradicating disease by draining swamps, fumigating areas, and implementing sanitation programs.
- A lock-based canal system was chosen over the French idea of a sea-level canal, accommodating the challenging geography.
- Thousands of workers from around the world were employed, often in harsh conditions.
On August 15, 1914, the Panama Canal officially opened, marking a milestone in engineering and strengthening U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere.
American Control and Controversies
The U.S. maintained control of the Panama Canal Zone, a 10-mile-wide strip across Panama, for decades. This arrangement gave the U.S. significant strategic and economic advantages but bred resentment among Panamanians, who viewed it as a violation of their sovereignty.
Key events during American control:
- The canal was vital for U.S. military operations during both World Wars.
- By the mid-20th century, Panamanians increasingly protested U.S. presence, sparking riots and international criticism.
The Carter-Torrijos Treaties (1977)
Growing anti-colonial sentiment and pressure for self-determination led to negotiations in the 1970s. Under President Jimmy Carter and Panamanian leader Omar Torrijos, the U.S. agreed to two treaties:
- The Panama Canal Treaty: Guaranteed the canal would be turned over to Panama by the end of 1999.
- The Neutrality Treaty: Ensured the canal would remain open to ships of all nations, even in times of war.
The treaties were controversial in the U.S., with critics arguing that relinquishing the canal would weaken American influence. Nonetheless, they were ratified, marking a shift toward respecting Panamanian sovereignty.
Transfer of Control (1999)
On December 31, 1999, the U.S. formally handed over the canal to Panama. Since then, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has operated the canal, investing in modernization and expansion to accommodate larger ships.
Why the U.S. Gave It Up
The U.S. relinquished control for several reasons:
- Panamanian Nationalism: Prolonged U.S. control risked damaging relations with Latin America and eroding U.S. credibility as a champion of sovereignty.
- Global Shifts: By the late 20th century, maintaining direct colonial-style control was increasingly untenable in a world moving toward decolonization and self-determination.
- Strategic Consensus: U.S. policymakers believed that Panama could competently manage the canal and that the treaties ensured continued access.
The Canal Today
Under Panamanian control, the canal has thrived, undergoing significant expansions, including the Panama Canal Expansion Project (completed in 2016), which added a new set of locks to accommodate modern megaships.
The U.S. remains a major user of the canal but does not directly control it. Instead, the canal’s continued operation is governed by international agreements and Panama’s stewardship, reflecting a balance of global cooperation and national ownership.
This is a Guest Post from our friends over at WLTReport.