In an unusual display of unity, Meghan McCain, often a vocal critic of Donald Trump, expressed support for the president-elect’s fiery stance on the Panama Canal. McCain’s alignment with Trump followed his weekend statements on Truth Social, where he criticized Panama’s “ridiculous” fees and emphasized the canal’s vital role in U.S. national security.
Trump claimed the United States “would and will NEVER let it fall into the wrong hands” and argued that exorbitant fees charged by Panama represented a betrayal of the canal’s original purpose as a cooperative gesture between the two nations. Trump’s comments also criticized former President Jimmy Carter’s 1977 decision to transfer control of the canal to Panama, calling it a “foolish” move that undermined U.S. national security interests.
“The Panama Canal is considered a VITAL National Asset for the United States,” Trump wrote. “Our Navy and Commerce have been treated in a very unfair and injudicious way. The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, especially knowing the extraordinary generosity that has been bestowed to Panama by the U.S. This complete ‘rip-off’ of our Country will immediately stop.” Trump wrote, “When President Jimmy Carter foolishly gave it away, for One Dollar, during his term in Office, it was solely for Panama to manage, not China, or anyone else.”
Trump’s remarks resonated with many supporters but drew criticism from opponents who viewed them as needlessly antagonistic toward a long-time ally. For Meghan McCain, however, the issue carried personal significance. Her father, the late Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain, was born in the Panama Canal Zone in 1936—a fact she highlighted while expressing her support. The outspoken daughter of the late senator shared her unexpected endorsement in a tweet. “Trump is right about the Panama Canal. This is very personal — my dad was born in the Panama Canal Zone.”
Trump is right about the Panama Canal.
This is very personal – my dad was born in the Panama Canal Zone.
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) December 23, 2024
At AmericaFest on Saturday, Trump said, “We’re being ripped off at the Panama Canal like we’re being ripped off everywhere else.” He then criticized the U.S. decision to relinquish control, claiming the country “foolishly gave it away.” Panamanian President Mulino firmly said in a statement released on his X account: “Every square metre of the Panama Canal and the surrounding area belongs to Panama and will continue belonging [to Panama].” Trump responded by sharing a news article about Mulino’s declaration on Truth Social, adding the caption: “We’ll see about that!”
