The Panama Canal has once again become a hot topic, thanks to former President Donald Trump. In recent weeks, Trump has floated the idea of reclaiming the canal from Panama—and hasn’t ruled out using military force to make it happen. During his presidential inauguration, he reiterated his stance, leaving many to wonder what this could mean for U.S.-Panama relations and global trade. Trump’s bold suggestion would mark a major shift in U.S. policy. The Panama Canal was handed over to Panama in 1999 after a treaty negotiated by President Jimmy Carter in 1978. Carter believed it was the right move, given the canal’s colonial history. Since then, the canal has been managed smoothly by Panama, with over two-thirds of its traffic tied to U.S. ports. Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino has already made it clear: the canal and its surrounding areas belong to Panama—period. But Trump hasn’t backed down, even hinting at military intervention. Here’s the catch: taking over the canal wouldn’t be a small task. Panama’s population is 4.5 million, and securing the canal zone could require around 90,000 U.S. troops, according to Army estimates. Plus, such a move would likely face strong opposition both domestically and internationally. It would also disrupt global trade, as 6% of the world’s trade passes through the canal. Trump’s proposal comes at a time when global trade routes are already strained, particularly in the Red Sea, where Houthi attacks have disrupted the Suez Canal—another critical trade artery. Critics argue that seizing the Panama Canal would be a risky and unnecessary move, especially for a president who has often criticized military interventions. While Trump has built his career on unconventional ideas, this latest suggestion may be one of his most controversial yet. Whether it’s a negotiating tactic or a serious plan, the implications of reclaiming the Panama Canal could be far-reaching—and costly.