In a striking move aligning with “America First” policies, legislation has been proposed to repurchase the Panama Canal from Panama.
At a Glance
- Rep. Dusty Johnson introduced the “Panama Canal Repurchase Act.”
- The act proposes reacquiring the canal for a symbolic $1.
- Trump expresses interest in reacquiring the canal.
- There are concerns over potential Chinese influence on the canal.
Panama Canal Repurchase Act Introduced
South Dakota Republican Representative Dusty Johnson has introduced notable legislation: the “Panama Canal Repurchase Act.” This legislative proposal aims to enable the U.S. president to negotiate the reacquisition of the Panama Canal from Panama. The change would require an agreement to buy back the canal for a symbolic price of $1. The U.S. ceded control of the canal to Panama in 1977 through the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, a move President Trump has criticized as imprudent.
Johnson’s legislation rides a wave of growing concerns over China’s potential influence in the Panama Canal’s operations. The proposal, which has drawn support from President-elect Donald Trump, highlights a broader geopolitical strategy that aligns with Trump’s “America First” agenda—emphasizing national security and critical infrastructure protection.
President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday said he would not rule out the use of military force to seize control of the Panama Canal and Greenland, as he declared U.S. control of both to be vital to American national security. https://t.co/h6Kvygv9af
— PBS News (@NewsHour) January 8, 2025
Concerns About Chinese Influence and U.S. Logistics
The concern over Chinese involvement in the canal operations underpins much of the urgency in the legislative push. Johnson highlighted unease about China’s interests in the canal, echoing Trump’s sentiments about the pivotal waterway’s strategic importance. The Panama Canal, which the U.S. built in 1914, remains a crucial maritime route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, facilitating significant amounts of global trade.
“President Trump is right to consider repurchasing the Panama Canal. China’s interest in and presence around the canal is a cause for concern. America must project strength abroad – owning and operating the Panama Canal might be an important step towards a stronger America and a more secure globe,” said Rep. Dusty Johnson.
President Trump conveyed dissatisfaction with Panama’s control, citing an alleged rise in toll charges for American vessels, coupled with strategic concerns over potential Chinese oversight. Amidst these unfolding discussions, Trump has indicated that military measures to control the canal are not off the table, underscoring its strategic importance for U.S. interests.
Trump not ruling out military force to control Greenland, Panama Canal https://t.co/lhgJg3DupQ
— Voice of America (@VOANews) January 8, 2025
Legislative and Political Hurdles
The road ahead for the “Panama Canal Repurchase Act” may be uneven as it garners both support and skepticism from within the Republican party. Some leaders, like Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker, express doubt, suggesting that such moves might be more aspirational than immediately actionable. Trump’s underline of the canal’s significance resonates with his ambition to secure vital logistics routes for national economic interests while countering foreign influence.
Johnson’s bill mandates the President to report to Congress within 180 days about the progress, challenges, and outcomes of any canal repurchase negotiations. However, criticisms of the proposal mirror broader international reactions to Trump’s other geopolitical suggestions, including the controversial idea to purchase Greenland.
