Trump’s Bold Moves on Panama Canal, Gulf Name & Paris Exit

In his first hours as the 47th president of the United States, Donald Trump made headlines with sweeping declarations and executive orders, including a vow to take back control of the Panama Canal, a push to rename the Gulf of Mexico, and the withdrawal of the US from the Paris Agreement.

Trump wasted no time setting an assertive tone, signing numerous executive orders and delivering bold opening remarks. One of his statements falsely claimed that China controls the Panama Canal.

“We didn’t give it to China. We gave it to Panama, and we’re taking it back,” Trump declared.

While China does not operate the canal, Hong Kong-based Hutchison Ports manages two ports near the canal’s Caribbean and Pacific entrances. Following Trump’s comments, Panamanian authorities announced an audit of Hutchison Ports.

Panama’s president, Jose Raul Mulino, responded on social media platform X, asserting, “The canal is and will continue to be Panamanian.”

Trump also reiterated his intention to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. Later in the day, he signed an order withdrawing the US from the United Nations’ Paris climate agreement.

This decision casts a shadow over upcoming discussions at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in April, where a global carbon levy on shipping is expected to be a key topic. The withdrawal signals potential challenges for international cooperation on green initiatives in the maritime industry.