Expert Slams Trump’s Panama Plans: 'Things Don’t Work That Way

Dec 26, 2024 Komal Das

On Christmas Day, former U.S. War College professor Tom Nichols dismissed Trump’s plan to take control of the Panama Canal as "out-of-left-field" rambling

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Nichols was asked by Yamiche Alcindor about Trump’s sudden focus on the Panama Canal, which wasn’t mentioned in the 2024 election

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After watching a clip of Trump at a Turning Point USA event, Nichols reacted to his claim that the Panama Canal was given to Panama with unfair provisions

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Nichols was asked what Trump thinks he's doing after his claim that the U.S. would demand the Panama Canal be returned "quickly and without question"

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Nichols suggested that Trump’s Panama Canal comments were likely sparked by a personal grievance, saying, "He's probably got some pebble in his shoe" related to his interests

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Nichols explained that the Panama Canal is governed by a Senate-ratified treaty, not a simple gift, emphasizing the established relationship between the U.S. and Panama

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Nichols responded to Trump’s claim to "take it back," saying, "Things don't work that way," emphasizing that such actions are not how international relations operate

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Nichols predicted that while Trump’s comments may earn cheers at conservative meetings, they won’t lead to any action, stating, "That's not going to happen"

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