Donald Trump reaffirmed on Tuesday his intention to regain control of the Panama Canal, a mission he said is being handled by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whom he warned—half-jokingly, half-seriously—that if he does not succeed, it will be his responsibility.
"Marco Rubio is in charge, good luck, Marco. If things don't go well, we know who to blame," the president said with a laugh.
Several congress members laughed at the joke, but it is not clear that it amused the Cuban-American in the same way, who appeared rather serious and focused during the president's speech.
“Marco has been wonderful and is going to do an excellent job. Think about this, he received 100 votes. He was approved with 99 votes, but the hundredth vote was given to him by this gentleman,” Trump said, referring to himself.
Next, the president made another joke in which he hinted at some jealousy over the popularity of his Secretary of State.
“This should make me feel very happy or worry me a lot… He is a great gentleman, everyone respects him, and we appreciate that they voted for Marco; he will do a fantastic job. Thank you,” he concluded.
From his place in the bench, Marco Rubio thanked the applause, gave a visible "Thank you", but the former Cuban-American senator did not appear happy in response to the president's compliments.
The recovery of the Panama Canal
During his speech before Congress, Donald Trump stated that his country "will not allow China to continue expanding its control over a strategic route for global trade."
"We did not deliver it to China, but to Panama," he pointed out.
"To enhance our national security, my government is going to reclaim the Panama Canal, and we have already begun to do so," he claimed.
He referred to the purchase of the Balboa and Cristóbal ports, located at the entrances of the Canal, by the American investment firm BlackRock.
These ports, which were under the control of the Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison, will now be operated by the American company in a move that Trump described as "the first step."
In his remarks, Trump asserted that the Panama Canal was built with American resources to benefit global trade, and claimed that the transfer agreement signed during Jimmy Carter's administration was "an unjustified handover."
According to the president, this treaty "has been violated and manipulated by China," and he insisted that his government will take measures to reverse the situation.
The announcement generated an immediate reaction in Panama. The Panamanian president, José Raúl Mulino, expressed his stance on the situation and asserted that his government will protect the interests of the country.
In a message posted on X on Wednesday, Panama's president, José Raúl Mulino, stated that Donald Trump is lying once again.
"President Trump is lying again. The Panama Canal is not in the process of being recovered, and it is far from being a task that has been discussed in our conversations with Secretary Rubio or anyone else. On behalf of Panama and all Panamanians, I reject this new affront to the truth and to our dignity as a Nation," wrote Mulino.
"The cooperation between our governments relies on clear understandings regarding mutually important issues, as has been the case. It has nothing to do with the 'recovery of the Canal' nor with tarnishing our national sovereignty. The Canal is Panamanian and will continue to be Panamanian!" he added.
"Panama has a clear foreign policy and will defend its sovereignty in all international forums. Our relationship with the United States is essential, but we also have commitments to other trading partners. We will act with prudence and firmness," Mulino stated at a press conference.
The stance of the Panamanian government makes it clear that Cuban-American Marco Rubio will have a challenging task ahead in successfully concluding the complex mission he has been assigned.
Frequently Asked Questions about Trump's Intent to Reclaim the Panama Canal
Why does Donald Trump want to regain control of the Panama Canal?
Donald Trump has expressed his intention to regain control of the Panama Canal due to his disagreement with the current fees for vessel transit, which he considers unfair to the United States, and his concern over China's increasing influence in the management of the canal.
What has been Panama's response to Trump's statements?
The President of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, firmly stated that the Canal belongs to Panama and will continue to do so. Mulino defended the country's sovereignty and independence, highlighting that the Panamanian administration has ensured efficient and profitable operation of the canal.
What role does Marco Rubio play in the recovery of the Panama Canal?
The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has been appointed by Trump as the person responsible for this mission, although in his public statements he has focused on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing Chinese influence in the region. Rubio has not publicly confirmed a specific plan to reclaim the Canal.
What influence does China have on the Panama Canal according to the United States?
The United States, under the Trump administration, has expressed concern about China's influence in the Panama Canal. Trump and Rubio have suggested that this influence could compromise the security and control of the interoceanic route, although Panama has denied such claims.
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