Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino dismissed concerns over potential U.S. intervention after former President Donald Trump expressed interest in reclaiming the Panama Canal. Responding to questions at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Mulino firmly stated, "Be serious, be serious," and declined further comment.
During his recent inauguration speech, Trump referenced the 19th-century "Manifest Destiny" doctrine, reiterating his desire for the U.S. to take back the canal. He provided no timeline or strategy but did not rule out military action, sparking backlash from Latin American leaders. Trump accused Panama of breaking promises tied to the canal's transfer in 1999 and alleged it ceded operations to China—claims Panama denies.
On social media, Mulino emphasized Panama's responsible management of the canal, vital to global trade, including the United States. "The canal is and will remain Panamanian," he asserted. At Davos, Mulino reiterated this stance, rejecting Trump’s claims as false and affirming Panama’s sovereignty.
The Panama Canal, built largely by the U.S., became operational through treaties dating back to 1903. Jointly managed under accords signed in 1977, it was fully transferred to Panama in 1999.
Mulino defended the canal’s legacy as a product of treaties rather than a U.S. concession, highlighting Panama's stewardship in maintaining the canal as a global trade route. The canal continues to be a symbol of Panamanian independence and a vital link in international shipping.
Trump's comments reignite controversy over U.S.-Panama relations and the canal's strategic importance, as Panama firmly stands by its sovereignty over the waterway.