Former U.S. President Donald Trump declared he would not permit foreign influence in the Western Hemisphere, specifically naming the Panama Canal, during a speech in Miami on Saturday. He addressed the comments directly to Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, who was present at the launch event for Trump’s “Americas Shield” security initiative.
The remarks represent the latest chapter in ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding the vital waterway. Trump framed his position as part of a renewed foreign policy approach, referencing a modern iteration of the historic Monroe Doctrine. Over a dozen Latin American leaders attended the summit where these statements were made.
A Direct Address to Panama’s Leader
Speaking to the assembled dignitaries, Trump explicitly linked his hemispheric policy to the canal’s operations. He then turned his focus to President Mulino, offering pointed commentary on the canal’s history.
“We are not going to allow hostile foreign influence to establish itself in this hemisphere, that includes the Panama Canal, which we have discussed. We will not allow it,” Trump stated. [Translated from Spanish]
He continued with a personal aside to the Panamanian president, expressing strong opinions on the 1977 treaties that transferred control. “President of Panama, I love that canal, José. I think Panama made the greatest deal in history. They bought it for 1 dollar from one of our brilliant presidents.” That president was Jimmy Carter. Trump added, “I cannot sleep because of that deal. They gave it away for 1 dollar.” [Translated from Spanish]
This interaction underscores a relationship marked by public friction since early 2025. Trump previously suggested a desire to “recover” the canal, citing concerns over Chinese influence, claims consistently rejected by Panama’s government.
Panama’s Firm Stance on Sovereignty
The Panamanian administration has repeatedly and forcefully denied any foreign interference in canal management. President Mulino established this position clearly in December 2024, responding to earlier warnings from the then-president-elect Donald Trump.
“Every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent area belongs to Panama and will continue to do so. The sovereignty and independence of our country are not negotiable,” Mulino asserted at the time. [Translated from Spanish]
He reinforced that message during a September 2025 United Nations Security Council session while Panama held the rotating presidency. The Panamanian leader’s mantra on the issue remains unequivocal. “The truth is the reality. The Canal is and always will be Panamanian.” [Translated from Spanish]
Panama’s legal system recently took decisive action on a related matter. In late January, the Supreme Court of Justice declared unconstitutional the contract between the state and Panama Ports Company. That firm is a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings, which operated the ports of Balboa and Cristobal near the canal.
Following the ruling, the state assumed control of both ports. Authorities granted temporary 18-month administrative contracts to APM Terminals for Balboa and to Terminal Investment Limited for Cristobal. This judicial move removed a primary example used by critics to allege Chinese operational influence over canal infrastructure.
The United States constructed the canal in the early 20th century and operated it for over eight decades. Full control was peacefully transferred to Panama on December 31, 1999, under the terms of the treaties negotiated during the Carter administration. The Panama Canal Authority, a Panamanian government agency, has managed all transit operations independently since that date.