The Panama Canal, a man-made marvel connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, is at the center of a heated debate in Washington. With a growing focus on US national security and trade priorities, former President Donald Trump has floated the idea of returning the canal to American control.
Republican Congressman Dusty Johnson recently introduced the Panama Canal Repurchase Act to kickstart negotiations. But can the U.S. really regain control over this critical waterway? Here’s a closer look at why this proposal is gaining attention, what it aims to accomplish, and the potential roadblocks ahead.
The Panama Canal plays a major role in global trade and is especially important for the U.S. economy. Approximately 40% of U.S. container exports pass through the canal. In total, about 73% of its traffic consists of American imports and exports. pic.twitter.com/5wTMWHPILi
— JD Rucker (@JDRucker) January 27, 2025
Why the Panama Canal Matters
The Panama Canal plays a major role in global trade and is especially important for the U.S. economy. Approximately 40% of U.S. container exports pass through the canal. In total, about 73% of its traffic consists of American imports and exports. These numbers highlight its strategic value not just for trade but for national security as well.
Representative Dusty Johnson emphasized that American energy and agricultural exports rely heavily on the canal. From liquefied natural gas shipments to grain exports, the canal supports industries that drive the U.S. economy. Any disruptions to its operations could have ripple effects that harm American businesses and consumers alike.
Chinese companies currently manage port operations on both ends of the canal, raising concerns about foreign influence in the region. Johnson highlighted China’s growing global presence through its Belt and Road Initiative, which has expanded Chinese control over infrastructure projects worldwide. He argued that keeping the Panama Canal out of Chinese hands should be a top priority for U.S. policymakers.
Trump’s Push for Negotiations
Donald Trump’s call to repurchase the Panama Canal is rooted in his broader strategy to reduce America’s trade deficit and prioritize national security. The proposed repurchase aligns with his long-standing focus on reviving domestic industries by ensuring reliable trade infrastructure.
Although Panama’s government has stated the canal isn’t available for repurchase, proponents of the plan see negotiations as a first step. Representative Johnson, who has a background in business, believes that even skeptical parties can reach a deal through meaningful discussions. Johnson expressed confidence in Trump’s deal-making abilities, adding that opening talks with Panama could eventually lead to a mutually beneficial agreement.
Key Concerns and Challenges
The prospect of repurchasing the Panama Canal faces significant hurdles, both politically and diplomatically. Panama sees the canal as a core part of its national sovereignty, which means any proposal to transfer control would likely be met with resistance. Additionally, the complex legal and financial implications of such a deal are not yet clear.
There are concerns over the role of the Chinese Communist Party in the canal’s operations. Chinese firms currently control major ports on both the Atlantic and Pacific sides. While this arrangement doesn’t grant Beijing full control of the canal, it underscores China’s increasing influence in critical trade chokepoints. U.S. officials worry this could pose long-term risks to national security and trade interests.
Could Military Options Be on the Table?
One idea that has surfaced is whether the U.S. military would play a role in regaining control of the canal. However, Rep. Johnson was clear that his bill aims to start negotiations—not take military action. He stressed that respecting Panama’s sovereignty is a central tenet of his proposal. While others have floated the idea of military involvement, Johnson’s legislation focuses strictly on building a framework for diplomatic discussions.
What’s Next for the Panama Canal Repurchase Act?
The journey to repurchase the Panama Canal, if it happens, will be a long one. Johnson’s bill is just the first step, authorizing the President to engage in talks with Panama. Whether these discussions result in a deal remains uncertain, but they signal a renewed interest in securing the canal’s role in U.S. trade and security.
The broader context—such as the U.S.-China rivalry and evolving global trade patterns—adds additional urgency to the debate. As discussions continue, policymakers will need to weigh the economic and security benefits of repurchasing the canal against the diplomatic complexities involved.
Conclusion
The Panama Canal has been a cornerstone of global trade since its completion in 1914, and its role in U.S. economic and security strategies cannot be overstated. While reasserting control over the canal is a controversial and complex proposition, it’s clear why leaders like Donald Trump and Dusty Johnson see it as a topic worth pursuing.
With tensions over foreign influence and trade deficits growing, the Panama Canal Repurchase Act could mark the start of a significant shift in how the U.S. approaches strategic infrastructure. Whether this effort succeeds or not, the debate underscores the importance of securing reliable trade routes and reducing vulnerabilities in an increasingly interconnected world.
Video summary generated with assistance from AI.
Five Things New “Preppers” Forget When Getting Ready for Bad Times Ahead
The preparedness community is growing faster than it has in decades. Even during peak times such as Y2K, the economic downturn of 2008, and Covid, the vast majority of Americans made sure they had plenty of toilet paper but didn’t really stockpile anything else.
Things have changed. There’s a growing anxiety in this presidential election year that has prompted more Americans to get prepared for crazy events in the future. Some of it is being driven by fearmongers, but there are valid concerns with the economy, food supply, pharmaceuticals, the energy grid, and mass rioting that have pushed average Americans into “prepper” mode.
There are degrees of preparedness. One does not have to be a full-blown “doomsday prepper” living off-grid in a secure Montana bunker in order to be ahead of the curve. In many ways, preparedness isn’t about being able to perfectly handle every conceivable situation. It’s about being less dependent on government for as long as possible. Those who have proper “preps” will not be waiting for FEMA to distribute emergency supplies to the desperate masses.
Below are five things people new to preparedness (and sometimes even those with experience) often forget as they get ready. All five are common sense notions that do not rely on doomsday in order to be useful. It may be nice to own a tank during the apocalypse but there’s not much you can do with it until things get really crazy. The recommendations below can have places in the lives of average Americans whether doomsday comes or not.
Note: The information provided by this publication or any related communications is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. We do not provide personalized investment, financial, or legal advice.
Secured Wealth
Whether in the bank or held in a retirement account, most Americans feel that their life’s savings is relatively secure. At least they did until the last couple of years when de-banking, geopolitical turmoil, and the threat of Central Bank Digital Currencies reared their ugly heads.
It behooves Americans to diversify their holdings. If there’s a triggering event or series of events that cripple the financial systems or devalue the U.S. Dollar, wealth can evaporate quickly. To hedge against potential turmoil, many Americans are looking in two directions: Crypto and physical precious metals.
There are huge advantages to cryptocurrencies, but there are also inherent risks because “virtual” money can become challenging to spend. Add in the push by central banks and governments to regulate or even replace cryptocurrencies with their own versions they control and the risks amplify. There’s nothing wrong with cryptocurrencies today but things can change rapidly.
As for physical precious metals, many Americans pay cash to keep plenty on hand in their safe. Rolling over or transferring retirement accounts into self-directed IRAs is also a popular option, but there are caveats. It can often take weeks or even months to get the gold and silver shipped if the owner chooses to close their account. This is why Genesis Gold Group stands out. Their relationship with the depositories allows for rapid closure and shipping, often in less than 10 days from the time the account holder makes their move. This can come in handy if things appear to be heading south.
Lots of Potable Water
One of the biggest shocks that hit new preppers is understanding how much potable water they need in order to survive. Experts claim one gallon of water per person per day is necessary. Even the most conservative estimates put it at over half-a-gallon. That means that for a family of four, they’ll need around 120 gallons of water to survive for a month if the taps turn off and the stores empty out.
Being near a fresh water source, whether it’s a river, lake, or well, is a best practice among experienced preppers. It’s necessary to have a water filter as well, even if the taps are still working. Many refuse to drink tap water even when there is no emergency. Berkey was our previous favorite but they’re under attack from regulators so the Alexapure systems are solid replacements.
For those in the city or away from fresh water sources, storage is the best option. This can be challenging because proper water storage containers take up a lot of room and are difficult to move if the need arises. For “bug in” situations, having a larger container that stores hundreds or even thousands of gallons is better than stacking 1-5 gallon containers. Unfortunately, they won’t be easily transportable and they can cost a lot to install.
Water is critical. If chaos erupts and water infrastructure is compromised, having a large backup supply can be lifesaving.
Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies
There are multiple threats specific to the medical supply chain. With Chinese and Indian imports accounting for over 90% of pharmaceutical ingredients in the United States, deteriorating relations could make it impossible to get the medicines and antibiotics many of us need.
Stocking up many prescription medications can be hard. Doctors generally do not like to prescribe large batches of drugs even if they are shelf-stable for extended periods of time. It is a best practice to ask your doctor if they can prescribe a larger amount. Today, some are sympathetic to concerns about pharmacies running out or becoming inaccessible. Tell them your concerns. It’s worth a shot. The worst they can do is say no.
If your doctor is unwilling to help you stock up on medicines, then Jase Medical is a good alternative. Through telehealth, they can prescribe daily meds or antibiotics that are shipped to your door. As proponents of medical freedom, they empathize with those who want to have enough medical supplies on hand in case things go wrong.
Energy Sources
The vast majority of Americans are locked into the grid. This has proven to be a massive liability when the grid goes down. Unfortunately, there are no inexpensive remedies.
Those living off-grid had to either spend a lot of money or effort (or both) to get their alternative energy sources like solar set up. For those who do not want to go so far, it’s still a best practice to have backup power sources. Diesel generators and portable solar panels are the two most popular, and while they’re not inexpensive they are not out of reach of most Americans who are concerned about being without power for extended periods of time.
Natural gas is another necessity for many, but that’s far more challenging to replace. Having alternatives for heating and cooking that can be powered if gas and electric grids go down is important. Have a backup for items that require power such as manual can openers. If you’re stuck eating canned foods for a while and all you have is an electric opener, you’ll have problems.
Don’t Forget the Protein
When most think about “prepping,” they think about their food supply. More Americans are turning to gardening and homesteading as ways to produce their own food. Others are working with local farmers and ranchers to purchase directly from the sources. This is a good idea whether doomsday comes or not, but it’s particularly important if the food supply chain is broken.
Most grocery stores have about one to two weeks worth of food, as do most American households. Grocers rely heavily on truckers to receive their ongoing shipments. In a crisis, the current process can fail. It behooves Americans for multiple reasons to localize their food purchases as much as possible.
Long-term storage is another popular option. Canned foods, MREs, and freeze dried meals are selling out quickly even as prices rise. But one component that is conspicuously absent in shelf-stable food is high-quality protein. Most survival food companies offer low quality “protein buckets” or cans of meat, but they are often barely edible.
Prepper All-Naturals offers premium cuts of steak that have been cooked sous vide and freeze dried to give them a 25-year shelf life. They offer Ribeye, NY Strip, and Tenderloin among others.
Having buckets of beans and rice is a good start, but keeping a solid supply of high-quality protein isn’t just healthier. It can help a family maintain normalcy through crises.
Prepare Without Fear
With all the challenges we face as Americans today, it can be emotionally draining. Citizens are scared and there’s nothing irrational about their concerns. Being prepared and making lifestyle changes to secure necessities can go a long way toward overcoming the fears that plague us. We should hope and pray for the best but prepare for the worst. And if the worst does come, then knowing we did what we could to be ready for it will help us face those challenges with confidence.
