During an event at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota, on Wednesday, Donald Trump once again voiced his concerns regarding the Panama Canal. The occasion marked the 250th anniversary of the United States' independence.
"China is trying to take over the Panama Canal, and I can't let that happen," Trump declared to the audience gathered in North Dakota, emphasizing America's role in maintaining global dominance.
The Historical Perspective
Trump expressed regret over the decision to transfer control of the canal to Panama in 1999. He lamented, "We gave it away. We gave it away." He elaborated on the history of the canal, stressing the immense sacrifice involved in its construction.
"We lost 38,000 people building the Panama Canal, our people, 38,000 lives were lost. From day one, it was a massive success, and we gave it away. We just gave it away," he stated.
He described the canal as "the most expensive and the most profitable project we ever built," criticizing the decision to relinquish control.
Ongoing Concerns
Trump's stance is not new. Back in January 2025, during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago, he remarked, "The Panama Canal is crucial for our nation. It's now operated by China. It was given to Panama, not China, and they have taken advantage of that gift. That decision should never have been made."
Economic Criticism
Trump also criticized Panama's economic management of the canal, accusing them of profiting at the expense of international shipping.
"The first thing they did was quadruple the fees for ships," he noted, adding, "then they raised them again, twice."
"They've been making enormous sums of money for years," he concluded.
Panama's President José Raúl Mulino has repeatedly denied these claims, asserting that "the only hands controlling the canal are Panamanian."
Rising Tensions
These statements are part of a prolonged campaign by Washington targeting Panama and China, which began before Trump's presidency in January 2025.
In February 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Panama, demanding "immediate changes" and warning that the status quo was "unacceptable." Shortly thereafter, Panama announced it would not renew its participation in China's Belt and Road Initiative.
In January 2026, Panama's Supreme Court declared the concession to Hong Kong's CK Hutchison Holdings for operating the Balboa and Cristóbal ports unconstitutional after it was revealed that its Panamanian subsidiary had failed to pay the state approximately $1.2 billion.
In response, China detained at least 70 Panama-flagged vessels in its ports. The U.S. State Department responded in April 2026, expressing support for Panama's sovereignty and labeling China's actions a "direct threat to global maritime trade."
Focus on Cuba
During the same Wednesday event, Trump also mentioned Cuba in his geopolitical strategy for the Western Hemisphere.
"And speaking of Cuba, after many, many decades, it's coming towards us, coming towards us," he said, referring to what he described as the island's rapprochement. Trump's comments on Cuba garnered immediate attention from Caribbean observers.
Since his return to the White House, Trump has positioned the Panama Canal, Cuba, and Venezuela as key components of a broader strategy to curb Chinese influence in the region. The canal accounts for roughly 5% of global maritime commerce and has been solely managed by the Panama Canal Authority since 1999.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trump's Panama Canal Concerns
Why is Trump concerned about China's influence on the Panama Canal?
Trump believes that China's influence over the Panama Canal poses a threat to U.S. global dominance and economic interests, as the canal is a crucial maritime trade route.
What actions has the U.S. taken regarding the Panama Canal issue?
The U.S. has increased pressure on Panama and China, with diplomatic visits and statements supporting Panama's sovereignty. The U.S. has also criticized China's economic practices related to the canal.
How has Panama responded to these accusations?
Panama has consistently denied the accusations, maintaining that the canal is under Panamanian control and managed in the country's best interest.