In brief
In a clear signal of ongoing diplomatic strain, the U.S. State Department has revoked travel visas for two prominent Panamanian politicians, following their vocal opposition to dealings made between their country and the Trump administration. Former President Martín Torrijos, who served from 2004 to 2009, and presidential candidate Ricardo Lombana both reported the cancellations, which they claim are direct retaliatory measures for their criticisms of recent accords. Torrijos, addressing the media, condemned this action, asserting it as a broader warning aimed at all Panamanians regarding dissent against U.S.-Panama relations.
Tensions between the U.S. and Panama have intensified recently, particularly after President Trump expressed ambitions to regain control over the Panama Canal—originally built by the U.S. and handed back to Panama under President Carter. Current President José Raúl Mulino's administration has faced accusations of yielding to U.S. demands, including agreements to accept deported migrants from the U.S. and an increase of U.S. military presence at former U.S. bases in Panama. Disputes regarding free passage for American naval vessels through the canal have also surfaced, though Mulino has contested claims of such concessions.
