Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) plans to introduce legislation authorizing President-elect Donald Trump to negotiate the reacquisition of the Panama Canal. The move reflects heightened concerns over China’s growing influence near the vital waterway.
The Panama Canal Repurchase Act, expected to be introduced Thursday, would enable Trump, in coordination with the Secretary of State, to begin negotiations with Panama’s government. Johnson stated, “President Trump is right to consider repurchasing the Panama Canal. China’s interest in and presence around the canal is a cause for concern. America must project strength abroad — owning and operating the Panama Canal might be an important step towards a stronger America and a more secure globe.”
The canal has been under Panama’s control since 1999, following the Carter-Torrijos Treaties of 1977. Trump has repeatedly criticized the deal, calling it a mistake that undermined U.S. interests. In December, he described the canal as “a vital national asset” critical for America’s economic and security needs, emphasizing its importance for commerce and military deployment.
BREAKING: Rep. Dusty Johnson recently introduced the “Panama Canal Repurchase Act,” which would allow Trump or any U.S. president to negotiate the purchase of the Panama Canal and bring it under U.S. control…
— Science Guy PhD (@ScienceGuyPhD) January 9, 2025
Panama’s President, José Raúl Mulino, has dismissed Trump’s calls to discuss U.S. control of the canal or lower transit fees, declaring, “We are not considering any discussions of this nature.”
Republican Rep. Dusty Johnson plans to introduce legislation giving Trump green light to buy Panama Canalhttps://t.co/4DkcjPUIYW pic.twitter.com/0LLLFq7TLs
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) January 9, 2025
The bill requires the president to report progress to Congress within 180 days, detailing challenges and expected outcomes. It also addresses concerns about China’s operations near the canal, which Republicans argue pose a security risk.
Trump has not ruled out using military force to secure the canal if negotiations fail, stating, “I’m not going to commit to that. It might be that you have to do something. The Panama Canal is vital to our country, and it’s being operated by China.”
With Republicans in control of Congress and Trump returning to the White House, the bill could gain significant traction as part of the GOP’s broader push to strengthen America’s global position.
