In his inauguration speech, President Trump made a series of bold promises, including sending Americans to Mars, designating cartels as terrorist organizations, and tackling gender recognition. He also reiterated his belief that America has become too involved in foreign conflicts and promised to reverse former president Jimmy Carter's decision to give control of the Panama Canal to Panama. Trump even proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America as part of his nationalist agenda. Despite facing criticism for his previous statement about "acting like a dictator for a day," Trump assured his supporters that his executive orders will put America on the "proper course."
Panama Canal: Past and Present
Historical Background
The Panama Canal, a vital waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, was constructed by the United States in the early 20th century. The canal's strategic importance has been recognized for centuries, and various attempts to build a canal had been made over the years.
In 1903, the United States negotiated the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty with Panama, giving the US perpetual control over a 10-mile-wide zone known as the Panama Canal Zone. The canal officially opened in 1914, shortening the shipping route between the East Coast of the United States and the West Coast of South America by over 8,000 miles.
President Trump's Stance
During his 2016 presidential campaign, Donald Trump criticized the terms of the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty and stated that he would seek to renegotiate it. He also expressed a desire to "take back" control of the Panama Canal.
In his 2017 inauguration speech, Trump reiterated his belief that America has become too involved in foreign conflicts and promised to reverse former president Jimmy Carter's decision to give control of the Panama Canal to Panama. Trump's statement drew criticism from various experts, who noted that the canal is already under Panamanian sovereignty and that the United States retains a military presence in the area.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Who controls the Panama Canal today? The Panama Canal is controlled by the Republic of Panama, under a 1999 treaty that ended US control.
2. What is the significance of the Panama Canal? The Panama Canal is one of the most important shipping routes in the world, facilitating trade between the Americas, Asia, and Europe.
3. Why did President Trump express a desire to reverse the handover of the Panama Canal? President Trump has stated that he believes the United States should retain control of the canal for strategic and economic reasons.
4. Is the Panama Canal currently facing any challenges? The Panama Canal has been experiencing increased traffic and is undergoing an expansion project to accommodate larger ships.
5. What is the future outlook for the Panama Canal? The Panama Canal is expected to remain a vital waterway for global shipping in the foreseeable future. However, climate change and sea level rise could pose potential challenges to its operation.
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