President Trump has been threatening to "take back" the Panama Canal since he regained power. In this episode, listen to testimony from officials serving on the Federal Maritime Commission who explain why the Panama Canal has become a focus of the administration and examine whether or not we need to be concerned about an impending war for control of the canal.
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Background Sources
Recommended Congressional Dish Episodes
Current Events around the Panama Canal
"Panama president calls Trump's talk of 'reclaiming' the Panama Canal a lie." March 5, 2025. the Associated Press.
"Blackrock to buy Hong Kong firm's Panama Canal port stake amid Trump pressure." Sabrina Valle, Suzanne McGee, and Michael Martina. March 4, 2025. Reuters.
"Mapping China's Influence around the Panama Canal." Matt Murphy, Jake Horton and Erwan Rivault. February 14, 2025. BBC.
"Low water levels in Panama Canal due to increasing demand exacerbated by El Nino event." May 1, 2024. World Weather Attribution.
"59 Iran-Linked Ships Stripped of Panamanian Flag, US DOS Confirms." World Maritime News Staff. March 15, 2019. World Maritime News.
"Chinese Consortium to Build Fourth Panama Canal Bridge." July 29, 2018. Reuters.
Panama Canal Treaty of 1977
"Panama Canal Treaty of 1977." U.S. Department of State.
The Chinese "Belt and Road Initiative"
"Belt and Road Initiative." Michele Ruta. March 29, 2018. World Bank Group.
The Trump-Gaza Video
Donald Trump shares 'what's next' for Gaza AI video on his Truth Social Platform February 26, 2025. Sky News.
Laws
Section 19 of the Merchant Marine Act
Audio Sources
President Trump Threatens to "Reclaim" The Panama Canal during his March 4, 2025 Presidential Address
Examining the Panama Canal and Its Impact on U.S. Trade and National Security
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Tra
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