Will Trump Invade Panama?

Could the United States be on the brink of reclaiming control over the Panama Canal? On December 21, 2024, President-Elect Donald Trump ignited international controversy with a social media post threatening Panama over rising canal fees and foreign influence, particularly from China. Trump’s remarks, emphasizing the canal’s vital importance to U.S. economic and military interests, were met with a sharp response from Panama’s President, José Raúl Molino, asserting the nation’s sovereignty. As the war of words intensifies, many wonder if Trump’s administration might consider drastic measures, including military intervention, to address the perceived threats to U.S. dominance in this strategically critical waterway.

The Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, is essential for global trade and particularly significant to the United States, which accounts for 60% of its traffic. Since its handover to Panama in 1999, tensions have periodically surfaced, particularly over increased tolls and Panama’s closer ties to China. Critics in the U.S. argue these developments undermine American interests, fueling debates about the canal’s neutrality and security. While military action seems unlikely due to international law and potential backlash, observers suggest the Trump administration could pursue diplomatic negotiations, economic measures, or arbitration to address the growing conflict. The situation raises critical questions about U.S. foreign policy and global geopolitics.

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*VIDEO CHAPTERS*
00:00 Introduction and Titles
00:50 Strategic Waterways and the Panama Canal
02:04 The Emergence of Panama: From Spain to Colombia
02:51 The Panama Canal and Panama’s Independence
04:27 The United States Completes the Canal
05:47 Panama, Noreiga and the Handover in 1999
07:06 US-Panama Relations after the Handover of the Canal
09:15 Trump Threatens Panama
10:23 Will Trump Invade Panama?

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#Panama #UnitedStates #Trump

[JamesKerLindsay]

A day or so earlier than usual, but this was a topic I wanted to cover before the break. Trump's threats against Panama have been extraordinary, especially as they seem to have come from nowhere. But behind it lies a long history. So, what do you think will happen? Is there really a chance that Trump will use force? Or is this all about angling for a diplomatic solution? And is this really the best way to achieve it? As always, let me know your thoughts and comments below.

And for anyone celebrating, have a Merry Christmas!

[blanchjoe]

Dear PJKL, I hate to warn you, but if you are going to make a piece based upon every time Donald Trump makes an outlandish statement, you are going to be very busy.

[efrainrondon]

It is important to note that during the American construction period of the Panama Canal, about 6, 000 workers died and only a small portion were from the United States. The great majority of the workers who died were from Caribbean and Latin American countries.

[clarkbonilla]

Panameños would say you significantly underestimate the US 1989 incursion into Panamá. 1) Military fighting last weeks. 2) Panameños viewed it as an unlawful invasion, as act of war. 3) 6, 000 panameños died. 4) US military covered up deaths by destroying records. 5) US forces started by crippling Panamanian communications so hide US invasion. 6) US CIA supported placement of Noriega as president. 7) This was an unjustified act of war under international law.

[Stefan]

You forgot that Manuel Noriega was a CIA agent.

[tyronejoshua]

I'm loving these multiple uploads a week by Professor Ker-Lindsay

[powasjington]

I think he’s just trolling, like he was by calling Trudeau “governor, ” but you never really know what he is thinking or will do.

[JohnTibbitt]

Literally one stop shop for international news. Thank you sir.

[petterbirgersson]

We live in one of the most stupid timelines. Real life Idiocracy.

[hermitcard]

Panamanian here. I like Trump, I've been following this roller-coaster of entertainment politics and like him. I know he's a proactive aggressive negotiatior, I remember his BS fight with Kim Yon Un and results, other funny troll chad moments, his recent statements about México and Canada, his plan to stop Russia vs Ukraine, Israel and neighbors. *But HIS TIMING couldn't have been WORST:* around the commentation of December 20th(1989) USAs invasión to Panamá. So even Panamanian like me who like Trump and know how he plays, really dislike this. Imagine yourselves if on the commemoration of Pearl Harbor, Japan arbitrarily decided to fully remake their army and demand flying wherever they want.
Regarding the abusive husband or parent type of logic "I made you, I own you", you see you deranged it is, coming from a country that virtue signals about freedom. Thank you for the help in our independence.
Regarding Torrijos Carter treaty that gave us back the chanel, YOU'LL NEVER SEE a situation in which after anyone has fully paid their house, and then new bank administration says "We made a mistake selling you that house so cheap. We made it, we want it back!". Why dont you dig Jimmy Carter and yell at him instead.
Trump will continue Theodore Roosevelt's big stick politics, and I can see Trump making some economical proposals with us, probably even proposing to BUY the canal(dame as Greenland); he CANT push us towards China(they're getting politically too friendly) the same way the far left pushed many people towards Trump. But he'll have to lower his intensity : Panamá has always been a USA ally and doesn't deserve this level of aggressiveness, else we'll have no option but to join BRICKS. Dont push us.

[behrensf]

His attention will drift on something else in a few days…

[Tedger]

The fact we are even talking about this is insane.

[ianjohnson]

Panamanian here, really liked the video.

I think the events of 1964 needed a bit more context. The January 9th events lead to Panama breaking diplomatic ties with the USA altogether, and it gave Panama the needed diplomatic ammunition for the current strong man, Torrijos to go on a world tour campaigning for the sovereignty of the country. (Literally, he was all over the world.)
That's without mentioning the heavy influence of the US during the WW2 and the cold war era in the nations instability. Multiple coups were supported and backed by the US in order to gain or at least keeps it's influence. This events lead to the dictatorships that eventually lead to the invasion as a whole.

Also, Noriega was a double agent for the CIA, worked closely with Bush father. The same American president that would end up overturning him.

Panama was also used as a proxy to aid the Sandinistas in Nicaragua, Daniel Ortega is still in power till this day, speaking of sowing the seeds you plant, eh?

[OliverNorth]

IF THE U.S. IS JUST GOING TO BREAK AGREEMENTS IT MAKES WITH IT'S ALLIES WHY MAKE AGREEMENTS WITH THE U.S?

[ADNRLY]

I just love how concise and straight to the point Professor Ker-Lindsay is. There is enough detail, it is very informative, but your brain doesn't go into overload trying to comprehend the facts.

[shakiMiki]

He hasn't been sworn in, & he is already causing havoc. It's going to be a chaotic & exhausting four years.

[SniperFallen]

We will defend our land, our people, our blood 🇵🇦

[talglikman]

It's all funny until you realize this man is the actual president.

[Numenax]

But...but....No new wars, right? War wouldn't happen with him as leader, right? Trump wouldn't lie to people, would he?









I'm being horribly sarcastic here. FYI.

[RDBean]

Just what we need, a Brit telling the USA what to do