Recently, President-elect Donald Trump sparked controversy with a suggestion that the U.S. should “retake control” of the Panama Canal. Andrés Oppenheimer, editor at The Miami Herald, wasted no time calling this idea “pitiful.”
Oppenheimer believes Trump should be focused on more pressing issues as he heads back to the White House. After all, the U.S. is dealing with massive problems like healthcare struggles, climate change, and rising gun violence. So, why bring up the Panama Canal?
Trump’s comments came after Panama raised fees for American ships using the canal. He called the charges “unfair” and said the U.S. should demand control if Panama doesn’t reduce them. But this bold suggestion isn’t sitting well with everyone, especially Panama’s President, José Raúl Mulino, who made it clear that the canal is now fully Panama’s, after the U.S. handed it over in 1999.
Some people see Trump’s move as a negotiation tactic or just another way to stir things up. After all, it’s not the first time he’s made dramatic comments about other countries.
While some, like political commentator Meghan McCain, stand by Trump’s view, others are less thrilled, including Harry Sisson, who called out Trump for creating unnecessary tensions.
In the end, Trump’s proposal may just be another attempt to energize his base. But with so many serious issues at hand, it raises the question: Is this the kind of leadership America needs right now?
