The Panama Canal, one of the most remarkable engineering feats in history, has been at the heart of U.S. strategic and economic interests since it was completed in 1914. Tens of thousands of Americans toiled in grueling conditions to build the 51-mile canal, a project that cost $375 million and thousands of lives. Yet, in 1977, Democratic President Jimmy Carter handed over control of this vital asset to Panama, a move many have since called one of the most short-sighted decisions in U.S. history.
Now, Republicans in Congress are working to right Carter’s wrongs. On the day of Carter’s funeral, Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) introduced the Panama Canal Repurchase Act, co-sponsored by several Republicans, including Reps. Troy Nehls (Texas) and Barry Loudermilk (Ga.). The bill would authorize President-elect Donald Trump to negotiate the reacquisition of the canal from Panama. Johnson didn’t mince words, saying, “President Trump is right to consider repurchasing the Panama Canal. China’s interest in and presence around the canal is a cause for concern. America must project strength abroad—owning and operating the Panama Canal might be an important step towards a stronger America and a more secure globe.”
Trump has made it clear that the canal’s independence from Chinese influence is a top priority. “The Panama Canal is vital to our country. It’s being operated by China. China. And we gave the Panama Canal to Panama. We didn’t give it to China, and they’ve abused it,” Trump said at a recent press conference. He criticized Carter’s decision as a colossal mistake, noting, “Giving the Panama Canal to Panama was a very big mistake. We lost 38,000 people. It cost us the equivalent of a trillion dollars, maybe more than that.”
Trump has also highlighted the canal’s importance for U.S. commerce and national security. In a Truth Social post, he emphasized its role in the rapid deployment of the Navy and its critical impact on reducing shipping times. Trump has pointed to the growing influence of China in Panama as a pressing concern, warning that Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative is eroding the canal’s supposed neutrality.
Meanwhile, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has bristled at Trump’s comments, declaring in December that “every square meter of the Panama Canal is Panama’s and will continue to be.” Trump’s response? A simple yet telling image of the American flag flying over the canal with the caption, “Welcome to the United States Canal!”
The stakes couldn’t be higher. China’s growing influence in Panama threatens the canal’s neutrality and poses a significant security risk to the U.S. Retaking control of the canal would not only restore a key strategic asset but also send a clear message that America’s interests come first. For decades, Democrats have allowed foreign powers to encroach on critical infrastructure, but under Trump’s leadership, the tide is turning. America-first policies aren’t just slogans—they’re the blueprint for a safer, stronger nation.
