Panama's president eyes UN Security Council over Trump’s Canal threats

Panama’s President José Mulino privately warned this week that if President-elect Donald Trump continues to make threats against Panama, he could take the issue to the United Nations Security Council, according to Panama's former president, Ernesto Balladares.

During a meeting at Panama's presidential palace on January 8, Balladares said Mulino discussed the possibility of escalating the matter internationally, Caliber.Az reports referring to foreing media.

“He said he would take action after January 20 if President-elect Trump insists on the issue,” Balladares explained. He noted that Mulino was waiting to see how Trump would proceed once he officially assumes office before determining the next steps.

Balladares, who served as Panama's president before Mulino, recounted that Mulino was caught off guard by Trump's rhetoric, particularly after the US president-elect's comments about the Panama Canal. Trump's statement came one day after he suggested the use of military force to "take back" the Panama Canal, which the US had turned over to Panama 25 years ago. Trump also suggested that Chinese soldiers were controlling the canal — a claim with no evidence to support it — despite the canal being operated by an independent Panamanian authority. The incoming US president had also expressed dissatisfaction with the fees US ships pay to use the canal.

Mulino, in his public response last month, strongly rejected any assertion of foreign control over the Panama Canal. “As president, I want to clearly state that every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjoining zone is Panama’s and will remain so,” he said.

Balladares added that Mulino did not specify what actions he might take, but implied that his response could escalate depending on the situation after Trump takes office.

The former president further explained that Mulino’s stance was influenced by the growing concern within Panama over Trump’s provocative statements regarding the canal’s sovereignty. The remarks were part of an ongoing pattern of rhetoric from Trump, who has complained about the transit fees paid by US ships using the waterway, threatening to take back control of the canal.

Panama holds a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for 2025 and 2026. If tensions with the United States continue, the country could raise the issue in the international body, placing the situation on a global stage.

Neither the Trump transition team nor Panama's spokesperson, Astrid Salazar, responded to requests for comment regarding the unfolding situation.

By Tamilla Hasanova