Trump revives Panama Canal debate in 2024 campaign discussions
npr.org —
President-elect Donald Trump recently brought attention to the Panama Canal, a topic not discussed in the 2024 campaign. He demanded lower shipping rates or the canal's return to U.S. control, echoing his "America First" stance. This marks a shift from previous political discourse, as the canal issue has not been prominent since the 1970s. Trump's comments recall Ronald Reagan's 1976 campaign, where he used the canal to rally support against the Ford administration's negotiations to transfer control to Panama. Trump's remarks also align with his broader agenda of asserting U.S. interests abroad. His focus on the canal, along with other controversial topics, aims to energize his base and reshape political discussions.