Cardin: Trump's Panama comments 'affects America's credibility globally'

Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), the outgoing chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said Sunday that President-elect Trump's comments on Panama will have a major impact on America's credibility abroad.

In an interview on ABC News' “This Week,” Cardin expressed concern about President Trump's proposal to return the Panama Canal to U.S. control.

“This is a serious statement that affects America's credibility globally. Our allies don't know if we are reliable partners. Panama Canal obligations are It's established by the treaties we ratified,” Cardin said of Trump's remarks.

“So I don't know what the next president is saying about how honest he is, but what I can say is that it raises questions globally about whether we are a reliable partner. And that has a lot to do with how Russia and China appeal to other countries about whether they need to ally with them and whether the United States will work with them around the world.” he continued.

Last Sunday, President Trump proposed returning the Panama Canal to U.S. control to a conference of supporters, vowing to take swift action on the issue once he takes office within a month.

“It's given to Panama and the Panamanian people, but with stipulations,” President Trump said at Turning Point USA's “American Fest.”

President Trump continued, “If the moral and legal principles of this generous donation are not upheld, we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned completely, promptly, and without question to the United States.'' Dew,” he added.

When members of the audience chanted, “Retract,” Trump responded, “That's a good idea.”

Cardin suggested he saw similarities in the way President Trump talked about leaving NATO during his first administration.

“We made similar statements during his previous administration when he threatened to withdraw from NATO. “There are serious concerns about whether they will work together for this purpose,” Cardin said.