President-elect Trump made controversial remarks on Tuesday regarding the Panama Canal, criticizing former President Jimmy Carter's decision to negotiate its transfer to Panama. Trump labeled the move as a 'very big mistake' and suggested that it significantly impacted Carter's loss in the 1980 presidential election.
During a press conference, Trump expressed his belief that the handover of the Panama Canal was a detrimental aspect of Carter's legacy. He emphasized the perceived negative consequences of the decision, stating that it resulted in the loss of 38,000 jobs and incurred a financial cost estimated to be in the range of a trillion dollars or more.
Trump asserted that the transfer of the Panama Canal was a grave error, describing it as 'a horrible thing' and attributing it as a key factor in Carter's electoral defeat. He argued that the canal, considered one of the most expensive structures ever built, should not have been relinquished to Panama.
Despite his criticism of Carter's decision regarding the Panama Canal, Trump acknowledged the former president as a 'good man' and 'very fine person.' He noted that while he had limited personal interactions with Carter, he held a positive view of him as an individual.
Trump's comments have sparked debate and raised questions about the historical significance and implications of the Panama Canal transfer. The Panama Canal, a vital waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, has long been a subject of geopolitical importance and strategic interest.
As the nation prepares to honor former President Jimmy Carter during his upcoming state funeral, Trump's remarks have added a contentious element to the public discourse surrounding Carter's presidency and legacy. The debate over the Panama Canal's transfer continues to be a topic of interest and scrutiny, highlighting differing perspectives on the decision and its lasting impact.
