President Donald J. Trump congratulates Panama on its 123rd anniversary of republican life, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to what he called one of America’s most trusted partners in the region. The message, addressed to Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino on November 3, highlighted unprecedented humanitarian assistance delivered within 24 hours of the October 9 earthquake that struck the country.
Trump’s letter underscored deepening bilateral ties throughout the year, citing joint participation in regional security coalitions and renewed military cooperation. The White House communication comes as both nations navigate complex discussions over critical infrastructure and maritime operations.
Trump Congratulates Panama and Highlights Earthquake Response
The U.S. president emphasized the speed and scale of American aid following the seismic event, framing it as evidence of the operational readiness between the two governments. Officials said the assistance included humanitarian logistics, technical support, and emergency coordination deployed almost immediately after the quake.
“Panama is one of our closest and most trusted partners, and we will continue to stand firmly by your side. I am proud of our ever-deepening friendship, which has allowed us to provide Panamanians affected by the earthquake with unprecedented humanitarian, logistical, and technical assistance within just 24 hours of the incident” [Translated from Spanish]
Trump also referenced Panama’s involvement in the Coalition of the Americas Against Cartels, the Shield of the Americas initiative, and Pax Silica, describing these frameworks as essential to hemispheric security and economic prosperity.
Mensaje del presidente de Estados Unidos, Donald J. Trump al presidente José Raúl Mulino, con motivo de los 123 años de vida republicana de Panamá. Estimado señor presidente: En nombre del pueblo de los Estados Unidos, extiendo felicitaciones al pueblo de Panamá en la celebración de sus 123 años de independencia. Panamá es uno de nuestros socios más cercanos y de mayor confianza, y continuaremos permaneciendo firmemente a su lado. Estoy orgulloso de nuestra amistad cada vez más profunda, la cual ha permitido que proveamos a panameños afectados por el terremoto con asistencia humanitaria, logística y técnica sin precedentes a tan solo 24 horas del incidente. Nuestra relación bilateral ha alcanzado nuevas alturas este año. Panamá se unió a iniciativas insignias, incluyendo la Coalición de las Américas Contra los Cárteles, el Escudo de las Américas y Pax Silica, las cuales hacen que nuestros países y el hemisferio sean más seguros y prósperos. Demostramos con poderío nuestro compromiso colectivo con la seguridad del Canal de Panamá y la estabilidad del hemisferio con los ejercicios militares PANAMAX este año, realizados como simulacros en persona por primera vez en 14 años. Igualmente, elogiamos a su administración por acatar el fallo soberano de su Corte Suprema independiente referentes a los puertos de Balboa y Cristóbal, reforzando la confianza de los inversionistas en sus cortes y abriendo su sector marítimo a inversionistas confiables. En el año que viene, espero poder seguir profundizando nuestros esfuerzos conjuntos en seguridad para la protección del Canal y nuestro hemisferio, así como seguir descubriendo nuevas oportunidades económicas juntos, particularmente a medida que Panamá avanza hacia inversiones históricas en el Canal y demás infraestructura crítica. Le pido que por favor acepte mis mejores deseos para una memorable celebración de la soberanía de su nación. Atentamente, Donald J. Trump
— U.S. Embassy Panama (@USEmbPAN) November 3, 2026
Security Cooperation and PANAMAX Exercises
The letter noted that this year’s PANAMAX military exercises marked the first in-person simulations in 14 years. These drills, focused on defending the Panama Canal and maintaining regional stability, signal a renewed operational tempo between U.S. and Panamanian forces.
Trump’s message tied this cooperation directly to protecting the strategic waterway, stating that both countries share a commitment to keeping the Canal secure against emerging threats. The exercises involved coordinated responses to simulated scenarios affecting maritime traffic and port infrastructure.
Port Ruling and Investment Confidence
In a notable section of the letter, Trump praised the Mulino administration for complying with a Supreme Court ruling concerning the ports of Balboa and Cristóbal. The decision has drawn attention from international investors watching Panama’s maritime sector governance.
“Likewise, we commend your administration for abiding by the sovereign ruling of your independent Supreme Court regarding the ports of Balboa and Cristóbal, reinforcing investor confidence in your courts and opening your maritime sector to reliable investors” [Translated from Spanish]
The U.S. president expressed interest in expanding economic cooperation, specifically mentioning planned Panamanian investments in the Canal and other critical infrastructure as avenues for deeper commercial ties. Trump concluded his message by extending best wishes to the Panamanian people on their national day, marking 123 years since separation from Colombia.