As he went to shake Trump’s hand, the president mentioned that in his experience there were “a lot of crooks” in Panama. De Dianous died in 2021 and never sought to publicize or draw attention to the moment.

The US is the biggest user of the Canal, but influence on its operations is dispersed among contracts with bidders internationally.

In the 1970s, a conservative coalition came together to fight ceding control of the Panama Canal—proving the political potency of the issue.

Treaties ratified by the Senate in 1978 established permanent neutrality, but some Republicans regret that decision.

Over decades, a shift in US military strategy, larger carriers and the growth of commerce on the West Coast deemphasized US involvement.

Few took the president-elect’s combative comments at face value, but they still sent a shudder through a country that the United States has invaded before.

Donald Trump has refused to rule out using military force to retake the Panama Canal that was returned by the US to Panama decades ago.

Trump's intention marks a rejection of decades of U.S. policy that has prioritized self-determination over territorial expansion.

Analysts believe takeover comments could be aimed at getting lower fees, but they could also push Panama to embrace China