The outgoing chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee highlighted that President-elect Donald Trump’s remarks about potentially taking control of the Panama Canal could push U.S. allies closer to Russia and China.
In a conversation with This Week co-anchor Jonathan Karl, Senator Ben Cardin from Maryland pointed out how Trump’s recent comments—like those about acquiring Greenland and making Canada the 51st state—are damaging America’s global credibility.
Our allies are questioning whether we can be trusted, Cardin noted, as he prepares to leave the Senate at the end of his term.
His remarks followed Trump’s criticism of Panama’s shipping fees for American companies, which he labeled as ridiculous and a complete ripoff. Trump promised to eliminate those fees once in office or demand that Panama hand over control of the canal to the U.S.
During his speech on December 22 at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in Arizona, Trump stated, If the moral and legal principles behind this generous act of giving aren’t respected, we will insist on the immediate and unconditional return of the Panama Canal to the United States.
He emphasized that America has a significant interest in ensuring that the Panama Canal operates securely, efficiently, and reliably. In response, Panama’s newly elected President Jos Raúl Mulino described Trump’s remarks as an insult to his nation’s sovereignty.
He pointed out that the fees for ships using the canal are determined by experts who consider operational costs along with supply and demand dynamics. These tariffs aren’t just randomly decided, Mulino explained.
Senator Cardin mentioned on This Week that both nations’ responsibilities were outlined in the 1977 Panama Canal and Neutrality Treaty, which Congress ratified. He expressed uncertainty about Trump’s sincerity but noted it raises global concerns about America’s reliability as a partner.
Cardin also highlighted how this could influence countries’ decisions to ally with Russia or China instead of relying on U.S. support.
When pressed by Karl about other recent comments from Trump—like buying Greenland from Denmark or suggesting Canada become the 51st state while jokingly referring to Prime Minister Trudeau as Governor—Cardin remarked that such statements aren’t constructive at all.
Cardin commented on Trump, saying, ‘We’ve heard similar remarks during his previous time in office when he hinted at withdrawing from NATO. These are obligations under treaty that our allies count on, and it raises serious doubts about America’s commitment to them.’
When Karl asked about what a second Trump term could mean for Ukraine, Cardin noted that there’s still bipartisan support in Congress but called Trump’s views on Ukraine ‘very concerning.’
Recently, Trump referred to President Biden’s choice to let Ukrainian forces use U.S. long-range weapons to target deeper into Russia as ‘stupid.’
Cardin emphasized that Ukraine is crucial for defending democracy. He added, ‘We know Russia won’t stop with just Ukraine; other countries feel threatened if Ukraine can’t maintain its sovereignty.
I’ve spoken with Ukrainians and Europeans multiple times, and they’re questioning whether America will stand firm.’ He reassured that there is strong bipartisan backing in Congress for supporting Ukraine because we understand how vital it is for our national security.