Trump’s Bold Claims: In his inaugural speech, Trump vowed to reclaim the Panama Canal and rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.”
Panama’s Rejection: Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino firmly rejected Trump’s claims, asserting full sovereignty over the canal and denying foreign interference.
Panama Canal Ownership: The canal has been owned and operated by Panama since 1999, following a 1977 treaty with the US, with no provisions for reversion.
China’s Role Debunked: Despite Trump’s claims, China does not control the canal, though a Hong Kong-based company operates nearby ports.
Legal Hurdles: Experts say reclaiming the canal would violate international law, including the UN Charter, which protects national sovereignty.
Renaming the Gulf: Trump can rename the Gulf of Mexico domestically, but the international community, including Mexico, is unlikely to adopt the change.
Historical Context: The Panama Canal’s construction claimed thousands of lives, with 25,000 deaths during the French attempt and 6,000 during the US-led effort.
Global Naming Disputes: Similar maritime naming conflicts exist, such as the “Sea of Japan” vs. “East Sea” and “Persian Gulf” vs. “Arabian Gulf.”
Economic Significance: The canal handles 2.5% of global trade and 40% of US container traffic, making it a vital international asset.
Trump’s Expansionist Vision: These proposals align with Trump’s broader ambitions, including past interests in acquiring Greenland and Canada.