Fact check: The US already purchased Panama Canal through BlackRock

1. Summary of the results

The claim that "the US already purchased Panama Canal through BlackRock" is factually incorrect. What's actually happening is:

• BlackRock is purchasing ports near the Panama Canal from CK Hutchison for approximately $19-22.8 billion ^{[1] [2]}
• The deal includes 45 ports across 23 countries ^[2]
• BlackRock is specifically acquiring a 90% interest in Panama Ports Company, which owns ports near the canal, including the ports of Balboa and Cristobal ^{[3] [4]}
• Panama retains full sovereignty over the Panama Canal itself ^[2]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original statement omits crucial historical context:

• The US originally gained rights to the canal in 1903 and controlled it from 1904 to 1977 ^[5]
• President Jimmy Carter negotiated a treaty to transfer control back to Panama ^[5]
• The transfer was completed in 1999, and Panama has administered the canal for nearly three decades ^{[6] [7]}

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

Several factors contribute to the spread of this misinformation:

• Political rhetoric: Former President Trump has expressed desires to "reclaim" the canal and regain US ownership ^{[6] [4]}
• Confusion about ownership: The statement conflates BlackRock's purchase of nearby ports with ownership of the canal itself ^{[1] [3]}
• International law implications: Any attempt by the US to purchase the canal would violate international sovereignty principles and decades of US foreign policy ^[6]

Those who might benefit from pushing this narrative include:

• Political figures seeking to promote nationalist sentiments
• Those who wish to create controversy around foreign investment and infrastructure ownership
• Those who might want to undermine Panama's sovereignty over the canal