Scott Jennings on Thursday shared his thoughts on Panama's reaction after President-elect Donald Trump threatened to take back the Panama Canal.
President Trump has publicly challenged Panama's control of the canal and suggested the United States controls Canada and Greenland. Monaka exterior Speaking on “Confrontation with Erin Burnett,” Jennings dismissed concerns that President Trump's comments could upset Panama.
“Do I care if Panama is mad? Or are Van Halen coming and going to be mad about that? I mean, to be honest, I need them to understand, and Donald Trump also needs them to understand that we are the dominant superpower in this hemisphere,” Jennings said. “He needs to talk to them about it. And I hope he does. Yes, they are allies, but this is extremely important.”
Mr Jennings said Mr Trump's latest pushback was less about inciting a diplomatic fight and more about reaffirming American primacy.
“I think Donald Trump is trying to send a message to the Chinese people, and I think he's trying to send a message to the rest of the hemisphere that we're not going to put up with this violation.” Jennings said. “Now, the truth is that China is invading this hemisphere, Africa and the world. They are trying to act like the world's leading superpower. I'm trying to show my way of life to the world.”
President Trump has called for the Panama Canal to be returned to U.S. oversight and criticized Panama for what he calls exorbitant tolls. “If we knew the extraordinary generosity that the United States has extended to Panama, this complete 'rip-off' of our country would immediately stop,” Trump said. (Related: “National Security Issues'': Republican strategist claims President Trump's move is a check on China's influence)
Trump also criticized Jimmy Carter's decision to relinquish control of the Panama Canal, saying Carter made a mistake. In 1977, Carter made an agreement with Omar Torrijos, then leader of Panama's military junta. This treaty initiated a transfer process that was completed in 1999 and transferred full authority to the Panama Canal Authority. reported.
Prior to this agreement, the United States safe The 1903 Treaty of Hay-Bunau-Varilla provided extensive control over the canal area, allowing the construction, maintenance, operation, and protection of the canal. After Colombia rejected an American bid to take over the failed French project, the United States supported Panama's independence movement and paved the way for the canal, which was America's most expensive infrastructure project at the time.
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