In response to former President Donald Trump’s controversial remarks regarding potential United States control over the Panama Canal, Panama’s President Ricardo Mulino has firmly stated, “Every square meter of the Panama Canal is ours.” This declaration comes after Trump suggested he would consider strategies to regain U.S. ownership of the canal which was handed back to Panama in 1999 following the Torrijos-Carter Treaties. Trump, in a recent speech, expressed interest in the strategic waterway, asserting that it plays a crucial role in global trade and security. Mulino emphasized the importance of sovereignty, indicating that Panama’s stewardship of the canal has been beneficial for both Panamanians and global shipping. Trump’s proposal has received significant backlash, with many politicians and citizens highlighting the historical context and the implications of such claims. The Panama Canal, a pivotal conduit for maritime traffic, continues to be a crucial asset for international shipping, underscoring the sensitivity of Trump’s statements. The controversy surrounding Trump’s remarks is reigniting discussions about U.S.-Panama relations, as well as the historical complexities involving the canal’s ownership and control.
Trump’s Threat to Panama Canal Sparks Controversy: President Mulino Responds
