A Republican congressman has floated a bold plan that has liberals clutching their pearls: re-taking the Panama Canal. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) announced his intention to introduce a bill authorizing President-elect Donald Trump to negotiate the purchase—or outright reacquisition—of the canal, a move that has sparked outrage from the left and applause from those who actually care about American interests.
Johnson explained to The Hill that Trump’s instincts on this issue are spot-on, emphasizing that reclaiming the canal could strengthen America’s position globally. “China’s interest in the presence around the canal is a cause for concern,” Johnson noted, highlighting Beijing’s growing influence in the region. “Owning and operating the Panama Canal might be an important step towards a stronger America and a more secure globe.”
Dusty Johnson tells @aishahhasnie he’s putting out a bill to authorize Trump buying Panama Canal
“I think it is a Teddy Roosevelt moment. And frankly, America used to run this canal, and it was very well run under American leadership,” he told @FoxNews
— Liz Elkind (@liz_elkind) January 8, 2025
Trump, never one to shy away from calling out a bad deal, has long criticized Panama’s exorbitant transit fees, calling the canal a “vital national asset” for the United States. He previously took to Truth Social to underscore its importance: “The Panama Canal is crucial for U.S. Commerce and National Security. It ensures the rapid deployment of our Navy and significantly cuts shipping times to U.S. ports.” This isn’t just about saving a few bucks on shipping—it’s about safeguarding a strategic asset that directly impacts America’s economic and military power.
Predictably, the woke crowd has already started wringing their hands over Trump’s willingness to project strength abroad. Meanwhile, Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino dismissed the idea of negotiating with Trump, stating he wouldn’t entertain discussions about U.S. control of the canal or lower transit fees. But here’s the thing: nobody cares about Mulino’s posturing. When it comes to securing American interests, Trump has made it clear he’s not playing games.
The Panama Canal represents far more than a shortcut for cargo ships—it’s a linchpin in America’s ability to defend itself and its allies. China’s increasing influence in the region is a glaring red flag, and Democrats’ failure to take it seriously is par for the course. For decades, the left has ceded ground to adversaries like China while obsessing over trivialities at home. Trump’s push to reclaim the canal signals a return to prioritizing American strength and security over appeasing globalist elites.
Democrats will undoubtedly gnash their teeth over this proposal, whining about imperialism and sovereignty, but the reality is simple: the United States gave up control of the canal in one of the most lopsided deals in history. Reclaiming it would send a clear message to the world that the days of America being taken for a ride are over.
Under Trump’s leadership, the focus is back where it belongs—on protecting American interests. Whether it’s renegotiating bad trade deals or reasserting control over critical assets like the Panama Canal, this administration isn’t afraid to do what needs to be done. Let the left cry about it; the rest of us will enjoy watching America grow stronger.
