Panama Canal Power Grab: Trump’s Panama Plan Mirrors Putin’s Ukraine Playbook

 

Trump’s Panama Canal gambit is nothing more than a nostalgic nod to imperialist fantasies, destined to isolate America on the global stage while making the nation look like a bully clinging to outdated notions of dominance. In plain terms, by attempting to reclaim the Panama Canal, Trump risks turning the U.S. into the Putin of the Western Hemisphere, inviting comparisons that would stain his presidency and alienate America’s allies.

 

Trump's proposal to "reclaim" the Panama Canal feels like a ship without a rudder—grand in ambition but destined for troubled waters. The idea might sound appealing to a subset of his supporters, but it's a move that mirrors Vladimir Putin's territorial aspirations in Ukraine, a conflict that has led to immense human suffering and global condemnation. Should Trump pursue this course, he risks igniting international backlash, undermining decades of diplomacy, and painting the United States as a neo-imperial aggressor.

The Panama Canal is not just a waterway; it’s a symbol of sovereignty. In 1903, under controversial circumstances, the United States facilitated Panama’s independence from Colombia and gained control over the canal zone through the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty. This agreement was widely criticized as an act of U.S. coercion, and resentment festered in Panama for decades. It wasn’t until the 1977 Torrijos-Carter Treaties that the United States agreed to transfer control of the canal back to Panama, a process completed on December 31, 1999. This handover was celebrated as a triumph of diplomacy and a testament to respecting national sovereignty.

Trump’s rhetoric threatens to undo that progress. His claims that Panama’s toll fees are “exorbitant” and that the canal is “essentially stolen from the U.S.” disregard the historical context and legal agreements that govern its operation. Panamanian leaders, including President José Raúl Mulino, have expressed strong opposition, stating that any attempt to take back the canal would be met with fierce resistance. Such a move would not only jeopardize U.S.-Panama relations but also erode trust with other allies in the region.

The parallels to Putin’s actions in Ukraine are stark. When Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and launched a full-scale invasion in 2022, it cited historical grievances and strategic necessity as justifications. Trump’s reasoning for reclaiming the Panama Canal—economic leverage and national pride—bears a troubling resemblance. The international community has repeatedly condemned Russia’s actions as violations of international law. If the United States were to follow a similar path, it would lose moral high ground and credibility, undermining its position as a champion of sovereignty and rule of law.

Moreover, the economic and logistical consequences of such a venture would be catastrophic. The Panama Canal handles over 13,000 vessels annually, accounting for roughly 6% of global maritime trade. Disrupting its operations through military action or forced occupation would send shockwaves through global supply chains, exacerbating inflation and economic instability—ironically the very issues Trump claims to want to address. With inflation already straining American households, this move would be akin to pouring gasoline on a fire.

Instead of pursuing a costly and controversial overseas endeavor, Trump should focus on domestic policies with tangible benefits for Americans. The deregulation of the oil industry, for example, presents a practical solution to reduce energy costs and stimulate economic growth. By lifting restrictions on drilling, pipeline construction, and production, the U.S. could increase its energy independence and drive down gas prices. This aligns with Trump’s “America First” agenda and offers immediate relief to consumers struggling with high energy bills.

The American Petroleum Institute, a leading advocate for the oil and gas industry, has long called for comprehensive deregulation to unlock the sector’s full potential. Analysts predict that easing restrictions could lower gas prices by as much as 20% within a year, providing a significant boost to disposable income and consumer spending. Furthermore, increased domestic energy production would reduce reliance on foreign oil imports, enhancing national security and strengthening the U.S. economy.

However, deregulation must be approached responsibly to avoid long-term environmental damage. While Trump’s critics argue that his energy policies prioritize short-term gains over sustainability, proponents contend that technological advancements can mitigate environmental risks. Striking a balance between economic growth and environmental stewardship will be crucial for maintaining public support and ensuring that energy policies benefit future generations.

Trump’s fixation on the Panama Canal also distracts from pressing domestic issues that require urgent attention. Inflation, healthcare, education, and infrastructure are areas where bold leadership could make a real difference. For instance, tackling the rising cost of living through targeted economic policies would resonate with voters across the political spectrum. Similarly, addressing the student loan crisis or investing in renewable energy infrastructure could yield long-term benefits for the nation.

Proverbs teach us that “he who chases two rabbits catches none.” By attempting to reclaim the Panama Canal, Trump risks diverting resources and attention from critical domestic priorities. History is replete with examples of leaders who overreached in pursuit of glory, only to face disastrous consequences. Napoleon’s ill-fated invasion of Russia and Britain’s mismanagement of its colonial empire serve as cautionary tales for those who fail to recognize their limitations.

The geopolitical ramifications of Trump’s proposal cannot be ignored. A unilateral move to take back the Panama Canal would likely provoke retaliation from Panama and its allies, including China, which has invested heavily in Panama’s economy and infrastructure. Such a conflict could escalate into a broader confrontation, straining U.S. resources and jeopardizing its strategic interests in Latin America and beyond.

Trump’s supporters may view the canal proposal as a bold assertion of American power, but in reality, it is a reckless gamble with far-reaching consequences. Rather than pursuing symbolic victories that alienate allies and destabilize regions, Trump should focus on policies that unite Americans and strengthen the nation’s standing in the world.

As the proverb goes, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Trump’s Panama Canal gambit is a political stunt that risks backfiring spectacularly. If he truly wants to secure his legacy as a transformative leader, he would do well to heed the lessons of history and steer clear of imperial ambitions. After all, there’s a fine line between being a disruptor and becoming the very thing you claim to oppose.

In the end, one has to wonder if Trump’s obsession with the canal is less about policy and more about staging his next reality show. Perhaps he envisions it as “The Apprentice: Global Domination Edition.” But as any seasoned entertainer knows, even the best scripts can flop when the audience sees through the act.