Ah, the Panama Canal—one of the world’s great engineering marvels, a shining symbol of human ingenuity, and, let’s be honest, an enduring sore spot in international relations. Recently, President-elect Donald Trump floated the idea of reclaiming the canal, sparking a swift rebuke from Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino. The proposal? Well, Trump doesn’t like the fees for U.S. ships passing through, and he suggested it might be time to take the canal back. Mulino, unsurprisingly, responded with a firm ¡No way!

Now, before we dive into this hot-button issue, let’s put a little historical context on the table. The Panama Canal was built by the United States back in the early 20th century, a monumental project that came with more than its share of blood, sweat, and geopolitical maneuvering. For decades, the U.S. managed and controlled the canal, but in 1977, President Jimmy Carter signed treaties to hand it back to Panama by the end of 1999.

That transition came with a promise: Panama would take ownership, but the canal would remain open and neutral, benefiting the world at large. Today, it’s one of Panama’s greatest assets, generating billions in revenue and serving as a key driver of the nation’s economy. For them, it’s not just a canal—it’s a point of pride.

Trump’s Take: Pragmatism or Provocation?

President-elect Trump is nothing if not bold. His pitch here plays to his brand—”Make America Great Again” by reclaiming lost assets. The idea of retaking the Panama Canal might make some folks nostalgic for the old days of American dominance. To others, it feels like a page from a history book we’ve already read—and one we don’t necessarily want to repeat.

Trump’s concern about the canal fees isn’t entirely misplaced, though. The U.S. remains a major user of the canal, and as costs rise, it’s fair to ask whether we’re getting the best deal. But suggesting that America might simply take it back? That’s a recipe for international drama—and not the good kind.

Panama’s Response: Standing Their Ground

President Mulino’s response was strong and clear, as it should be. For Panama, the canal is much more than an economic asset; it’s a symbol of their sovereignty. To entertain the idea of the U.S. reclaiming it would be to deny decades of progress and the hard-won independence they’ve built around this iconic structure.

It’s important to consider the principles of fairness and stewardship here. The canal was returned to Panama by treaty—a solemn agreement. Breaking that would not only dishonor our word but could harm America’s reputation as a nation that values its commitments.

The Bigger Picture

While Trump’s suggestion might appeal to those yearning for a return to American dominance, it misses a key truth: America’s strength doesn’t come from flexing its muscles at every opportunity. Instead, it lies in leading by example, honoring agreements, and fostering partnerships.

There’s a lesson here for conservatives and Christians alike. Yes, we should advocate for American interests, but not at the expense of our integrity. Just as the Bible calls us to “let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay” (James 5:12), we must stand by our commitments and seek solutions that reflect our values.

If Trump really wants to address the issue of canal fees, maybe it’s time for some good old-fashioned negotiation. After all, he prides himself on being the ultimate dealmaker. Rather than stoking international tensions, let’s find a way to work with Panama that benefits everyone—and leaves the canal right where it belongs.

In the end, the Panama Canal doesn’t need to be a source of division. Let it be what it was always meant to be: a bridge between nations, not a battleground for sovereignty. And if we’re being honest, the U.S. doesn’t need another foreign policy headache right now. We’ve got plenty of those already.