WSJ names the consequences of a possible U.S. invasion of Panama under Trump
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's calls to seize the Panama Canal are contrary to international laws and cause outrage throughout Latin America, and their implementation would lead to a U.S. occupation of Panama. This was reported by The Wall Street Journal on January 19.
The publication cited the opinion of retired U.S. Armed Forces (AF) General Barry McCaffrey, according to whom Trump's calls are reminiscent of "a return to the 1850s."
"How can a foreign power illegally operate a canal without the Panamanians?" - Mckeffrey took umbrage.
The Panama Canal remains by far the most important route for the global economy and a key U.S. interest.
Previously, Trump has repeatedly expressed his interest in returning to the United States the ownership of the Panama Canal. Thus, on December 22, 2024, he said that the U.S. authorities would demand the return of control over the Panama Canal if the Central American republic did not revise the terms of its use. In response, Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino emphasized that the canal could not become U.S. property.
Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martinez-Acha Vazquez reiterated on January 7 that the sovereignty of the Panama Canal is non-negotiable. According to him, the country's government has not had any contacts with Trump or the Republican's representatives on this issue.
