A gripping new Fox Nation special, aired on Friday, dives deep into the high-stakes showdown over the Panama Canal, spotlighting President Donald Trump’s fiery stance against what he calls Panama’s betrayal of American interests. National correspondent Griff Jenkins unpacks the canal’s history, its geopolitical weight, and the escalating standoff that’s put Trump at odds with Panama’s leadership. For conservatives, this is a clarion call—proof Trump’s America First vision is the only way to protect U.S. sovereignty from foreign overreach.
The special, titled “Take It Back,” traces the canal’s roots as an engineering marvel built by American grit, opening in 1914 after Teddy Roosevelt’s bold vision. But the drama’s heating up now, with Trump accusing Panama of breaching the 1977 Torrijos-Carter Treaty, which handed control to Panama but guaranteed fair treatment for U.S. ships. In December, Trump threatened to demand the canal’s return, slamming Panama for overcharging and cozying up to China—moves he says threaten U.S. security.
Jenkins doesn’t shy away from the tension.
“President Trump has made the Panama Canal a focal point of his second term, warning that America’s been ‘treated very badly’ and vowing to reclaim what he calls a ‘foolish gift’ if Panama doesn’t comply,” he reports.
The standoff escalated last month when Panamanian authorities clashed with First Quantum Minerals over a shuttered copper mine, stoking fears Trump’s rhetoric could spark a broader conflict. Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino insists the canal’s secure, but Trump’s not convinced—posting on Truth Social, “We have been treated very badly from this foolish gift that should have never been made, and Panama’s promise to us has been broken.”
China’s fingerprints are all over this, with its state-owned firms like CK Hutchison Holdings and China Harbour Engineering Company deepening ties in Panama, raising alarms in Washington. The Atlantic Council warns China’s using the canal to expand its influence, siphoning U.S. trade while overcharging American ships—claims Panama denies but Trump’s doubling down on.
The Fox Nation special doesn’t just rehash history—it captures the livewire stakes. Jenkins interviews experts like Reed Blakemore, who notes, “Trump’s presidency can be an opportunity to further use the tools of the U.S. government to advance the U.S. business presence in Panama.” But conservatives see a darker play: Panama’s dancing with Beijing, and Trump’s ready to call their bluff.
Republicans aren’t shocked—Biden’s weakness let China creep closer, and now Trump’s cleaning house. His December demand to renegotiate or reclaim the canal mirrors his first-term trade wars: hit hard, hit fast, and put America first. Posts on X back him up—one user wrote, “Trump’s right—Panama’s fleecing us while China takes over. Time to take back the canal!”
This isn’t just about shipping—it’s about power. With Trump’s team moving to secure U.S. ports and energy, the Panama Canal’s a linchpin. The GOP knows Biden’s dithering emboldened Panama and Beijing, but Trump’s resolve promises to restore American dominance. Conservatives are ready to stand with him, ensuring the canal serves U.S. interests—or faces the consequences.
