Colombian President Gustavo Petro, a former Marxist guerrilla and outspoken ally of President Joe Biden, has issued a stark warning in response to President-elect Donald Trump’s plans regarding the Panama Canal. Petro threatened to unleash “millions” of migrants toward the U.S.-Mexico border unless Trump acknowledges Panama’s sovereignty over the canal.
Petro made his explosive comments on the X platform (formerly Twitter), asserting that Trump’s proposed policies contradict principles of sovereignty and regional dignity. His post included a fiery defense of Panama’s control over the canal and a veiled ultimatum about the potential consequences of U.S. actions:
“If the new US government wants to talk business, we will talk business, face to face, and for the benefit of our people, but dignity will never be negotiated.
If [Trump] does not want myriads crossing the Darien, increased by millions from Panama to Mexico, he must understand that it will depend on the prosperity and freedom of our peoples.”
Petro’s statement directly ties the future migration flow through the Darien Gap—a treacherous and lawless jungle region connecting Colombia and Panama—to Trump’s stance on the canal. He warned that failing to prioritize regional prosperity and independence could exacerbate poverty in Panama, South America, Central America, and Mexico, thereby increasing migration pressures.
The Darien Gap has become an infamous corridor for migrants traveling from South America to the United States. In recent years, it has seen a surge in traffic, particularly from Colombian and Venezuelan migrants fleeing economic hardship and political instability. The hazardous terrain and lawlessness of the region have not deterred millions from making the perilous journey north.
Petro’s remarks signal a willingness to use this migration crisis as leverage in geopolitical negotiations. By tying migration numbers to U.S. policy on the Panama Canal, Petro appears to be positioning himself as a regional power player willing to challenge American influence in Latin America.
President-elect Trump has reignited debate over the Panama Canal, a vital maritime route constructed by the United States in 1914 and controlled by the U.S. until 1999. The canal’s handover to Panama was part of a controversial deal brokered by former President Jimmy Carter, a decision Trump has repeatedly criticized.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed his frustration with what he views as Panama’s exploitation of the canal to charge exorbitant fees to American vessels while allowing China to expand its influence over its operations.
“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 wrote. “It was likewise not given for Panama to charge the United States, its Navy, and corporations, doing business within our Country, exorbitant prices and rates of passage.”
Trump further argued that the current arrangement is unfair, citing Panama’s reliance on U.S. generosity. “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,” he added.
Petro’s response underscores the tension between Trump’s America First policies and Latin American leaders’ efforts to assert regional autonomy. Petro framed his threat as a broader defense of Panama’s sovereignty and dignity, emphasizing the need for mutual respect and equitable economic relations.
“If they don’t want us in the U.S., we must make all of the Americas prosperous in independence, freedom, and democratic dignity,” Petro declared in his post.
This standoff could have far-reaching consequences for U.S.-Latin American relations. Trump’s critique of Panama’s canal management has already drawn backlash from regional leaders who view it as an affront to national sovereignty. Petro’s comments further escalate the situation by introducing the specter of a migration crisis tied to U.S. foreign policy decisions.
The migration crisis remains a politically sensitive issue in the U.S., and Petro’s warning could complicate Trump’s plans to overhaul immigration policy. By linking migration patterns to the Panama Canal debate, Petro has added another layer of complexity to an already contentious issue.
The Darien Gap serves as a potent symbol of the broader challenges facing the Americas: economic inequality, political instability, and the struggle for sovereignty. For Petro, Trump’s Panama Canal policy is not just about shipping lanes and tolls—it’s a proxy for the balance of power in the hemisphere.
As Trump prepares to assume office, his administration will face pressure to address Petro’s provocative statements while advancing its agenda. Whether through diplomacy, economic incentives, or tougher border enforcement, how Trump navigates this brewing conflict will shape U.S.-Latin American relations for years to come.
In the meantime, Petro’s bold stance has ensured that the Panama Canal—and the migration routes linked to it—will remain at the forefront of international debate.