In what many are viewing as a retaliatory action, the United States has rescinded the visas of two prominent Panamanian politicians who have openly criticized recent agreements with the Trump administration.
Tensions Rise: U.S. Revokes Visas of Former Panamanian Leaders
Tensions Rise: U.S. Revokes Visas of Former Panamanian Leaders
The U.S. government's move to cancel travel visas for ex-Panamanian officials draws sharp criticism.
The U.S. State Department has officially revoked the travel visas of former Panamanian president Martín Torrijos and prominent presidential candidate Ricardo Lombana, who decried the recent accords between Panama and the Trump administration. Torrijos, who served from 2004 to 2009, expressed outrage over the decision during a Monday press conference, asserting that the visa cancellations serve as a warning against any dissent regarding Panama’s diplomatic maneuvers with the United States. Similarly, Lombana reported receiving notification via email regarding the removal of his visa.
Torrijos commented, “This is not merely personal; it signals a broader message to all Panamanians that dissent toward the government’s dealings with the U.S. won’t be tolerated.” This latest development follows escalating friction between Panama and Trump, who had previously vocalized ambitions to reclaim control of the Panama Canal—a territory returned to Panama under President Jimmy Carter’s administration.
Current Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has faced scrutiny for his approach towards perceived concessions made to the Trump administration. While committing to defend Panama’s sovereignty, Mulino agreed to accept migrants deported from the U.S. and signed a controversial agreement increasing the presence of U.S. troops at three former American military bases in Panama. Additionally, the U.S. has alleged that Mulino agreed to eliminate transit fees for American warships navigating the Panama Canal; a claim the president vehemently denies.
Torrijos commented, “This is not merely personal; it signals a broader message to all Panamanians that dissent toward the government’s dealings with the U.S. won’t be tolerated.” This latest development follows escalating friction between Panama and Trump, who had previously vocalized ambitions to reclaim control of the Panama Canal—a territory returned to Panama under President Jimmy Carter’s administration.
Current Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has faced scrutiny for his approach towards perceived concessions made to the Trump administration. While committing to defend Panama’s sovereignty, Mulino agreed to accept migrants deported from the U.S. and signed a controversial agreement increasing the presence of U.S. troops at three former American military bases in Panama. Additionally, the U.S. has alleged that Mulino agreed to eliminate transit fees for American warships navigating the Panama Canal; a claim the president vehemently denies.
