Trump Considers Military Action to ‘Take Back’ Panama Canal

Over the last few weeks, Donald Trump has been stoking the fire on expanding the United States.  

He has stated that he would like to make Canada the 51st state as well as buying Greenland.  

Now he is saying that he will “take back” the Panama Canal, and he is considering military force if need be.  

Taking It Back 

First off, the Panama Canal was never the property of the United States.  

The United States earned leasing rights to the canal when it offered to take over the construction and defense of the canal.  

The beginning of this relationship started in 1903 when Panama declared its independence from Columbia.  

In 1904, the United States took over the construction project, opening the canal in 1914 as a critical trade route.  

The United States “viewed” the canal as its territory, but it was, in fact, not a US territory.  

In yet another failed policy of the Carter administration, in the 1977 Torrijos-Carter Treaty, transferred overall control of the canal that was phased out over two decades, with Panama taking over total control of the canal in 1999. 

The United States still holds the right of military intervention to defend the canal if there is a severe threat to close the canal off to all parties, as the canal is required to stay open as an international passageway even during times of war.  

Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) is now presenting legislation to back Trump’s play, stating, “President Trump is right to consider repurchasing the Panama Canal. 

“China’s interest in the 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.” 

So, he stated that he is introducing legislation to Congress that would allow Trump to “retake” the canal, only the United States NEVER owned the canal, it was only leasing it.  

I think our politicians need to study history better.