
Let’s get one thing straight—the Panama Canal isn’t just some random waterway. It’s our waterway. It was the brainchild of American innovation, engineering, and good old-fashioned grit.
We carved it out of the jungle, fought off disease, and spent a fortune building what became the beating heart of global trade. And then, in 1999, the U.S. handed over the keys to Panama in a deal that, looking back, might’ve been the real-estate equivalent of trading a mansion for a shack.
And what has Panama done with this incredible gift? Instead of just saying “thank you” and keeping things running smoothly, they’ve decided to let China cozy up to the canal like an uninvited houseguest who won’t leave.
The Chinese Communist Party, always on the lookout for strategic global assets, has been making serious inroads, securing contracts, and looking suspiciously comfortable around one of the most important trade passages on the planet. Call it what you want, but this isn’t just about infrastructure—this is a global power play.
Naturally, Donald Trump isn’t having any of it. While past administrations twiddled their thumbs, Trump is calling for action. He’s looking at Panama’s little game and saying, nope, not today.
If Panama wants to let China run the show, the U.S. is ready to remind everyone who built this canal in the first place.
Rubio Delivers Trump’s Ultimatum
Enter Secretary of State Marco Rubio, making his first international visit in his new role.
And guess where he went? Straight to Panama to deliver a not-so-friendly reminder to President José Raúl Mulino: Either curb China’s influence over the canal, or America will take care of it ourselves.
According to the U.S. State Department, Rubio made it crystal clear that Trump sees the current situation as “unacceptable.”
That’s Trump-speak for this will not stand. The U.S. isn’t about to let the CCP tighten its grip on a critical trade route. And if Panama thinks it can play both sides, Rubio’s warning should be enough to make them think twice.
The Treaty Card: America’s Ace Up Its Sleeve
Now, before anyone starts clutching their pearls about Trump “threatening” another country, let’s be real—we already have legal grounds for action.
The U.S. has rights under the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal, and letting China take over isn’t exactly what the treaty had in mind.
So if Panama doesn’t want to cut ties with Beijing, Trump’s administration is more than happy to remind them who actually guarantees the canal’s security.
And this isn’t just about shipping lanes—it’s about national security. Giving China control over a crucial global trade passage is like handing the fox the keys to the henhouse.
Do we really want Beijing deciding who gets to move their goods efficiently and who doesn’t? That’s a hard no.
Panama and the Border Crisis: Another Win for Trump
While Rubio was in town, he wasn’t just talking about the canal. He also gave Panama’s president a well-earned pat on the back for shutting down the Darién Gap—a once-out-of-control illegal migration superhighway.
In partnership with the U.S., Panama has cracked down on the flood of illegal migrants making their way north, making it much harder for them to slip through undetected.
This is a huge win for Trump’s immigration policy. While previous administrations let the border crisis spiral, Trump and his allies are actually doing something about it.
Between shutting down migration routes and securing key trade routes, the message is loud and clear—America is back in charge.
Key Takeaways:
- Trump isn’t messing around with the Panama Canal—he’s ready to take it back if Panama keeps letting China in.
- Marco Rubio’s first trip as Secretary of State was to Panama, where he delivered Trump’s warning: cut China’s influence or expect consequences.
- Panama is working with the U.S. to shut down illegal migration routes, another major win for Trump’s America First agenda.
Source: The Post Millennial