On Christmas morning, President-elect Donald Trump stirred discussion by bringing attention to the Panama Canal, a topic that has not been prominent in U.S. political discourse for decades.
This unexpected focus on the canal comes as a surprise since it was not addressed during the 2024 presidential campaign or Trump’s previous terms. Historically, the canal hasn’t played a significant role in American political debates.
In recent remarks, Trump demanded lower shipping rates through the canal, warning that “we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us, in full, quickly and without question.”
Trump’s reintroduction of the Panama Canal narrative aligns with his “America First” approach, emphasizing national interests in trade and foreign relations. His rhetoric expresses a sentiment that the U.S. has been exploited in the international arena.
The canal’s historical context is significant, especially considering its past impact on the Republican Party and American politics in general. The debate surrounding the canal shifted the course of Ronald Reagan’s candidacy in the late 1970s.
Historical Context: Reagan and the Canal
Back in 1976, America was grappling with the aftermath of the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal, leading to political instability. Reagan, then a former governor of California, navigated a tough Republican primary where the canal issue emerged as a pivotal tactic against then-incumbent President Gerald Ford.
In a surprising turn, Reagan leveraged the canal narrative, emphasizing American ownership and asserting that “we built it, we bought it, and we’re going to keep it.” This resonated strongly with voters who felt a nationalistic pride amidst the turmoil of previous administrations.
Reagan’s effective messaging and emphasis on the Panama Canal led to a significant victory in North Carolina, catalyzing his momentum into the national spotlight. Despite initial struggles, this renewed focus on the canal transformed the Republican primary landscape.
In 1976, Reagan’s campaign framed the canal transfer negotiations as a national humiliation, successfully mobilizing conservative sentiments against the perceived loss of American control. When the dust settled, Ford narrowly lost the presidency to Democrat Jimmy Carter, who later moved to complete the canal handover begun under Ford’s administration.
Implications for Trump’s Agenda
Trump’s resurfacing of the Panama Canal debate signals a strategic move to energize his base. In light of recent comments about the canal, Greenland, and other U.S. interests abroad, it raises questions about his intentions and the potential for renewed negotiations or pressure on foreign governments if he resumes office.
As has been seen with past political figures, the Panama Canal serves as a potent symbol of nationalism that resonates with a significant portion of the electorate. Trump’s ability to redirect the political discourse, as demonstrated, hints at his ongoing strategy to unify his supporters and keep the “MAGA” movement vibrant.
Time will reveal if this emphasis on the Panama Canal leads to actionable policy changes or if it fades into the background like it did for Reagan after it served his political purpose.
