Trump: “Panama Must Treat Us Fairly Or We’ll Take The Canal Back.”
The Panama Canal, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, was built by the US between 1909 and 1914 . In 1903 Panama was created out of Colombia with US help. It ceded the land to the US in perpetuity. But President Jimmy Carter gave the canal (not gave back, Panama never owned it) to Panama in 1999. This voided the Panama Canal Treaty 1903 which had been ratified by the Senate, and which created the Canal Zone.
Trump and many others complain about (1) excess fees to transit the canal, and (2) more importantly, increasing influence of China-controlled companies, calling into question the security of this vital artery.
The transfer of the canal to Panama was ratified by the Senate with a one-vote margin, and was popular in Panama but less so in the US. Under the ambiguous Supreme Court decision Goldwater v. Carter, the President can probably abrogate a treaty without Senate approval.
Could President Trump abrogate the treaty of 1977, which gave the canal to Panama? Legally, perhaps. Practically, it would cause widespread opposition in Panama and the rest of Latin America. But yes, Trump could probably do it. Still, merely the threat might cause Panama to reduce excess fees and eliminate Chinese influence.
Amazing what a strong leader can do, even before he takes office. Surely more than no leader at all, which is what we have been dealing with for four years. Stay tuned.