Today, I went to the Panama Canal. Visiting the Panama Canal was an awe-inspiring experience. The sheer scale of it—the movement of massive cargo ships through a narrow, man-made waterway—is a striking reminder of both human ingenuity and geopolitical complexity. But beyond the mechanics of global trade, the canal represents something far deeper to the Panamanian people: hard-won sovereignty and national pride.
Journalism isn’t just done behind a screen—it happens on the ground, in conversation, and in the places where the stories live. That’s why I made it a point to come to the Panama Canal myself. I wanted to see, firsthand, what’s at stake—what the Trump Administration’s posture toward the canal really means to the people here. I’ve spoken with residents, listened to their concerns, and witnessed the deep connection they have to this vital waterway.
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The canal’s history is complex and fraught. Opened in 1914 under U.S. control, it revolutionized international shipping by linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. For decades, the United States maintained authority over the canal, and by extension, a large presence in Panama. This dominance became a point of deep contention, as many Panamanians viewed U.S. control as a violation of their national sovereignty.
That era ended in 1999, when Panama officially took full control of the canal under the Torrijos-Carter Treaties. Since then, the canal has become an economic engine for the country, providing substantial revenue and employment, and supporting much of Panama’s infrastructure and public services. Today, it remains central to the nation's economy and identity.
While spending time in Panama and speaking with residents en route to and at the canal, a clear pattern emerged: widespread distrust of the Trump Administration and its posture toward the region. Although no formal move has been made to seize or reclaim control of the canal during Trump’s presidency, the rhetoric and tone from Washington has stirred deep concern among Panamanians. Many view it as a threat to the hard-fought sovereignty they now hold dear.
Yet, this distrust of political leadership did not translate into animosity toward the American people. On the contrary, there’s a strong sense of warmth and admiration for American culture and values among many Panamanians. The tension lies not in personal relationships, but in political history—and the fear that powerful foreign interests might once again attempt to assert influence over one of Panama’s most important national assets.
For Panamanians, the canal is not merely a piece of infrastructure—it’s a living symbol of their independence, their economy, and their future. Any attempt, real or implied, to challenge Panamanian control over the canal is met with strong resistance. The message is clear: the Panama Canal belongs to Panama, and the people here want it to stay that way.
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