### Tensions Rise as Panama's President Accuses Trump of Misleading Claims on Canal Ownership In a recent address to Congress, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that his administration was "reclaiming" the Panama Canal, a statement that has sparked significant backlash from Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino. Mulino vehemently refuted Trump's assertion, labeling it as a lie and emphasizing that the canal remains under Panamanian control. This controversy arises in the context of a deal involving BlackRock Inc., which is set to acquire a substantial portion of the ports business linked to the canal, further complicating the narrative surrounding U.S. involvement in the region. ### Breakdown of the Controversy Surrounding Trump's Claims 1. **Trump's Statement**: In his congressional address, Trump suggested that the U.S. was taking back control of the Panama Canal, a claim that has historical implications given the canal's transfer to Panama in 1999. 2. **Mulino's Response**: President Mulino accused Trump of lying, asserting that the canal is not up for reclamation and that such statements are an affront to Panama's sovereignty [https://www.newdelhitimes.com/panama-president-calls-trumps-talk-of-reclaiming-the-panama-canal-a-lie]. 3. **Context of the Deal**: The controversy coincides with a deal announced by BlackRock to purchase a significant portion of CK Hutchison's $22.8 billion ports business, which includes assets along the canal [https://www.moneycontrol.com/world/panama-president-says-trump-lied-about-panama-canal-s-reclaiming-article-12957430.html]. 4. **Historical Background**: The Panama Canal was under U.S. control until 1999, when it was handed over to Panama, making any claims of "reclaiming" particularly sensitive and contentious [https://www.globalnews.ca/news/11067305/panama-president-accuses-trump-lying-panama-canal]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Historical Control**: The Panama Canal was officially transferred to Panama on December 31, 1999, ending nearly a century of U.S. control. - **Financial Deal**: The deal involving BlackRock is valued at $22.8 billion, indicating significant U.S. financial interests in the region, but does not imply a change in sovereignty over the canal [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-05/panama-s-president-accuses-trump-of-lying-to-congress-over-canal]. - **Public Statements**: Mulino's statements have been echoed across multiple news outlets, reinforcing the narrative that Trump's claims are unfounded and damaging to diplomatic relations [https://www.huffpost.com/entry/panama-leader-message-to-trump_n_67c93eeee4b0e50d686af186]. ### Conclusion: A Diplomatic Dispute Emerges The exchange between President Trump and President Mulino highlights a significant diplomatic rift regarding the Panama Canal. 1. **Trump's Claims**: His assertion of "reclaiming" the canal is historically inaccurate and has been met with strong opposition from Panama's leadership. 2. **Mulino's Defense**: The Panamanian president's response underscores the importance of national sovereignty and the sensitivity surrounding historical U.S. involvement in Panama. 3. **Future Implications**: This incident may strain U.S.-Panama relations, particularly as financial interests in the region continue to evolve. In summary, the controversy surrounding Trump's remarks about the Panama Canal serves as a reminder of the complex historical and political dynamics at play in U.S.-Latin American relations [https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/panama-president-says-trump-lied-about-panama-canals-reclaiming-2025-03-05].