Panama President José Raúl Mulino has accused US President Donald Trump of lying about claiming the US is “reclaiming” the Panama Canal. The claim was made by Trump during his address to Congress on Tuesday, in reference to a $22.8 billion deal to acquire two ports serving the canal from a Chinese group.
Mulino rejected this notion, saying that the deal came about due to pressure from the US and accusing Trump of lying again. He stated that the Panama Canal is not being restored and was never discussed as part of any conversation with Secretary Rubio or other officials.
The White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, defended Trump’s comments, stating that BlackRock’s interest in investing in the two ports is important for ensuring US vessels can pass through the canal without unfair fees. However, Panama has refused to back down, citing treaties signed by President Jimmy Carter in 1977 that allow the US gradual cession of control.
The dispute comes as Trump pushes to regain control of the canal, one of the world’s most significant pieces of infrastructure. The Panama Canal is a vital trade route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and any changes to its ownership or operation could have major implications for global trade and commerce.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/03/05/panama-canal-trump-white-house