Beyond the Headlines: Why the Panama Canal Matters to Trump and Why it Should Matter to You, Too
Americans may wonder why Donald Trump has turned his attention to the Panama Canal, but citizens should be concerned too.
By Madison Fossa
The Panama Canal is an important passage worldwide, transporting almost 14,000 vessels per year across the water. Because of the canal, Panama has been described as “the bridge of the world but also the heart of the universe… and a place of international connection”. Not only did the construction of the canal revolutionize trade and international relations, but tourists also frequent the location; it has become a widely respected and renowned engineering marvel.
In President Donald Trump’s congressional speech on March 4th, he announced that the United States would “take back” the Panama Canal. To grasp the stakes of this political decision, it is vital that Americans understand the history of and current situation surrounding the Panama Canal.
U.S. Construction of the Canal
One of the main points made by Trump during his congressional address was that Americans poured lives, labor, and money into the Panama Canal. Because “the Panama Canal was built by Americans for Americans,” Trump wants to take it back: “It was built at tremendous cost of American blood and treasure.”
The president is correct in his assertion that America has earned the right to the canal through hard work and many lost lives as its original constructors. After a failed attempt by the French to build the canal in the 1880’s, the United States stepped in. However, Panama was a part of Columbia, a country that didn’t want an accelerated deal with the U.S. To expedite the canal’s construction for both Panamanians and Americans, Teddy Roosevelt encouraged Panama to stage a coup and secede from Columbia. With military aid from the U.S., Panama gained its independence and construction on the Canal began.
Trump references the cost that Americans paid for the canal. Americans dedicated nine years of time and 24,000 workers to the project. More than 5,000 workers were killed. America’s innovation played a crucial role in the canal’s progress, and its effects have been felt worldwide. Despite constructing the canal and helping Panama gain independence, American ownership was short-lived.
President Carter
President Carter’s presidency, specifically his the Torrijos-Carter treaties, caused the United States to lose control of the Panama Canal. Carter and Panamanian Chief of Government Omar Torrijos signed these treaties (the Panama Canal Treaty and the Neutrality Treaty) on Sept. 7, 1977. These treaties allowed the United States to defend the neutrality of the canal but surrendered its ownership to Panama. The treaties gave the canal to Panama while ensuring the United States would always have access to it; unfortunately, they didn’t guarantee lasting good relations between the United States and Panama.
As stated above, the Panama Canal is a vital part of modern trade and relations, all relinquished by the Carter administration to another country. Losing the canal diminished U.S. leverage over a key trade artery. However, the crisis of losing the canal did not stop there. “That (Carter Torrijos) agreement has been violated very severely. We did not give it to China, we gave it to Panama,” Trump said. This sentiment reveals the main reason that President Trump has concerned himself with retaking the Panama Canal, and why this issue should be important to every American.
China’s Involvement
In 2013, China embarked on the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ (BRI) to expand their economic and political power worldwide. The plan involved investing in and helping to develop infrastructure around the globe, specifically in Europe. However, this soon expanded far beyond Europe, even into Latin America where it eventually was accepted by Panama in 2017.
In addition to the Belt and Road Initiative’s reach to the canal, Hong-Kong based companies have controlled the Cristóbal and Balboa ports since 1997, which has the potential to give China influence over the ports, especially in a time of crisis. China is also working on projects around the Panama Canal, such as the Amador Cruise Terminal and more. Clearly, the influence that China has in the canal region is abundant, and the concern Trump has expressed is justified.
Trump’s Response and Impacts
As China has moved across the globe through the BRI, many fear their growing influence and the potential strengthening of their military through resources and power. President Trump is taking these concerns and putting them to action. Already, the pressure from Trump’s White House and the movements they have made inspired to Panama distance themselves from China. Panama has recently declared they will remove themselves from the BRI.
Despite the shortcomings of the Carter-Torrijos treaties, Trump is correct: China was never supposed to have a foothold this strong in the canal and its surrounding areas. It is in America’s best interest for the canal to be taken back and returned to the country that built and maintained it for decades: the U.S.
About the Author
Madison Fossa is a sophomore at Grove City College, from New Jersey. She is a Trustee Scholar majoring in Biology and minoring in Technical Writing. Madison is an ambassador for Young Women for America, and the Vice President of Young Women for America on campus at Grove City.
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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the writer alone and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grove City College, the Institute for Faith and Freedom, or its affiliates.
Cover Image: Photo by Brian J. Tromp on Unsplash
Written by Madison Fossa. Contributing writer. Series: Beyond the Headlines. Published on April 4. Edited by Scott Cross. Tags: Politics, World.