Who would’ve expected this.
In an unexpected shift, Meghan McCain, a longtime critic of President-elect Donald Trump, has publicly supported his controversial stance on the Panama Canal. This change of heart comes as Trump, preparing for his return to the White House in January 2025, made headlines by advocating for the U.S. to reclaim full control of the canal. McCain, whose father, the late Senator John McCain, was born in the Panama Canal Zone, stated that her support for Trump’s position was personal, given her family connection to the region.
Meghan McCain has not been shy about her opposition to Trump, even choosing not to vote for him in the 2024 election, despite her own Republican credentials. Her stance has often mirrored her father’s strained relationship with Trump, as John McCain frequently clashed with the former president during his time in the Senate. However, Meghan’s endorsement of Trump’s approach to the Panama Canal marks a notable departure from her usual criticism. It signals a shift in her perspective, especially as Trump’s “America First” agenda looks set to take center stage once again in his second term.
Trump’s recent remarks regarding the Panama Canal were blunt and forceful. He referred to the current control by Panama as a “complete rip-off” and criticized the tariffs imposed on U.S. ships passing through. He went as far as to warn Panama that the U.S. would demand the canal’s full return if its conditions weren’t met. His statement echoed his broader criticism of international trade agreements that he believes unfairly benefit other nations at America’s expense.
Originally constructed by the U.S. in 1914, the Panama Canal was officially handed over to Panama in 1999 following a treaty negotiated by President Jimmy Carter. Despite the transfer, Trump’s comments reveal his dissatisfaction with Panama’s handling of the waterway, particularly the high fees charged to American vessels.
Meghan McCain’s support for Trump on this issue reflects the broader tensions within the Republican Party as it prepares for Trump’s second term. While her endorsement of Trump’s position on the canal may be unexpected, it highlights his enduring influence within the party, particularly among those who prioritize an assertive, America-first foreign policy. As Trump prepares to return to the White House, the future of the Panama Canal and U.S.-Panama relations may become a significant focus of his administration’s global strategy. Whether these strong words will translate into concrete action remains to be seen, but the message is clear: Trump intends to defend American interests on the world stage.