Trump Critiques Carter Ahead of His Funeral

In a press conference held on Tuesday, President-elect Donald Trump expressed strong criticism of former President Jimmy Carter’s decision to turn over control of the Panama Canal to Panama, calling it a “very big mistake.” This statement comes just days before Carter’s state funeral, which is set to take place later this week.

Trump’s Controversial Remarks

During the press conference, Trump insisted that the decision to relinquish control of the canal was detrimental to American interests and suggested it was a significant factor in Carter’s loss to Ronald Reagan in the 1980 presidential election. “It’s a bad part of the Carter legacy,” he stated. “He was a good man. I knew him a little bit, and he was a very fine person. But that was a big mistake.”

Trump elaborated on his views, arguing that the loss of the canal not only cost the U.S. lives and resources but also had long-lasting economic ramifications. “Giving the Panama Canal to Panama was a very big mistake. We lost 38,000 people. It cost us the equivalent of a trillion dollars, maybe more. They say it was the most expensive structure ever built,” he said, emphasizing that the decision adversely affected the U.S.’s geopolitical standing.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims

In his remarks, Trump seemed to allude to a claim that the land was handed back to Panama “for ,” a statement widely disputed by historians and analysts who noted that the treaties facilitated a gradual transfer of control rather than a simple sale. “I thought [giving the canal back] was a terrible thing to do,” Trump insisted, as he addressed reporters in Palm Beach, Florida.

When pressed about his timing in making these comments—on a day when many were reflecting on Carter’s life and legacy—Trump reiterated that while he respected Carter as a person, he fundamentally disagreed with his policies.

Political Ramifications of Carter’s Decision

Trump’s remarks tap into a larger conversation about the political ramifications of the 1977 Torrijos-Carter Treaties, which outlined the transfer of the canal’s control. Critics of the treaties at the time, including Republican leaders like the late Senator Strom Thurmond, argued that it signaled a retreat from American influence in Latin America.

Thurmond had written a letter to then-President Ford expressing concerns that the treaties would cozy up relations with the Communist Cuban government, suggesting that any perceived weakness by the United States could encourage leftist movements in the region. He led 35 senators in opposing what he described as the surrender of U.S. sovereignty in the Canal Zone.

Historical Context of the Panama Canal

The Panama Canal has a storied history of political maneuvering dating back to the early 20th century. President Theodore Roosevelt famously oversaw the construction of the canal, which was hailed as a remarkable engineering feat and was strategically important for U.S. naval operations. Roosevelt’s actions to encourage Panama’s independence from Colombia, allowing the U.S. to secure control over the canal’s construction and operation, were praised at the time as a significant diplomatic success.

Carter’s Diplomatic Legacy

While Trump’s criticisms focus on the canal, it is essential to recognize that Carter’s foreign policy achievements include not only the canal negotiations but also the historic peace accords between Egypt and Israel, which remain a cornerstone of Middle Eastern diplomacy today. Carter’s administration was characterized by a commitment to human rights and diplomatic solutions, even if those efforts did not always garner popular support.

Contemporary Reactions to Trump’s Statements

Interestingly, Trump’s assertions have not gone unchallenged from unexpected quarters. Meghan McCain, the daughter of the late Senator John McCain—who frequently clashed with Trump—came to his defense. “Trump is right about the Panama Canal. This is very personal – my dad was born in the Panama Canal Zone,” she stated, highlighting the deeply personal connection some individuals have to the historical implications of the canal.

As the political discourse around Carter’s legacy continues, the debate over the Panama Canal serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between policy decisions and their long-term consequences in the realm of international relations.

Conclusion

As Americans prepare to pay their respects to Jimmy Carter, the ongoing discourse about his presidency, particularly regarding the Panama Canal, showcases the contentious relationship between political legacies and public perceptions. Trump’s remarks may resonate with those who view the canal transfer as a pivotal error in U.S. foreign policy, while others may see it as a necessary step in a changing geopolitical landscape. As the nation reflects on Carter’s life, the broader implications of his administration’s choices will undoubtedly continue to spark debate for years to come.

For live updates and tributes regarding Jimmy Carter’s life and contributions, click here.