Trump: Carter was a 'very fine' person but Panama Canal moves were 'a big mistake'

Fox News - Jan 7th, 2025
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Former President Jimmy Carter's funeral ceremony commenced at the Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia, as President-elect Donald Trump criticized Carter's decision to negotiate away the Panama Canal. Trump claimed that the transfer of the canal to Panama was a significant error in Carter's presidency and suggested it contributed to his loss in the 1980 election against Ronald Reagan. Trump expressed his desire for the U.S. to reclaim the canal, stating that it was a part of the Carter legacy that marred an otherwise good reputation. Despite the criticism, Trump acknowledged Carter as a fine person but reiterated his disapproval of the canal deal. Trump also engaged in verbal sparring with Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino over the canal's future, echoing historical Republican sentiments from figures like Theodore Roosevelt, who had celebrated U.S. control over the canal in the early 1900s.

The controversy surrounding the Panama Canal's transfer to Panama has long been a point of political contention. The treaty negotiated by Carter in the 1970s, which allowed Panama to take full control by 1999, had faced opposition from several U.S. politicians, including Strom Thurmond, who feared it demonstrated a weakening of U.S. sovereignty. Despite such criticism, Carter's negotiations, including the successful Egypt-Israel peace accords, have left a lasting diplomatic legacy. Trump's remarks have reignited debates over historical U.S. foreign policy decisions and have found unexpected supporters in figures like Meghan McCain, highlighting the enduring impact and divisiveness of the canal's transfer on American political discourse.

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RATING

5.2
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article presents a controversial topic involving historical political decisions and current political commentary, primarily focusing on former President Jimmy Carter's decision regarding the Panama Canal. While it covers various perspectives, there are areas for improvement in terms of factual accuracy, balance, and transparency. The article relies heavily on statements from President-elect Trump and other political figures, which are not always backed by verifiable facts or expert opinions. The sources used are somewhat limited, impacting the credibility and depth of the report. Additionally, the article could benefit from clearer language and structure to better convey the complexities of the historical and political context discussed.

RATING DETAILS

5
Accuracy

The article contains several factual inaccuracies and misleading statements, particularly regarding the Panama Canal's history. For instance, Trump's claim that the canal was 'given away for $1' and the assertion that 38,000 people died constructing it are not substantiated with reliable sources. Historically, the canal was transferred through a treaty process, not a monetary transaction, and the death toll figure is not supported by historical records. Additionally, Trump's commentary about Carter losing the election due to the canal negotiations lacks evidence and ignores other significant factors like the Iran hostage crisis. The article could improve accuracy by providing more historical context and verifying claims with authoritative sources.

6
Balance

The article attempts to present multiple perspectives, including Trump's criticism, historical context about Carter's decision, and opinions from other political figures like Meghan McCain and Strom Thurmond. However, it leans towards Trump's narrative without sufficiently challenging or balancing it with counterarguments or expert analysis. For example, while it mentions Carter's success with the Egypt-Israel peace accords, it does not explore the broader implications of the Panama Canal treaty or provide voices supporting Carter's decision. The article could improve by including more diverse viewpoints and a balanced exploration of the historical and political complexities surrounding the issue.

6
Clarity

The article's language and structure are generally clear but could be improved to enhance comprehension. Some segments, such as the transition between historical context and current political commentary, are abrupt and may confuse readers unfamiliar with the topic. The tone remains mostly neutral, though it occasionally borders on emotive, particularly in quoting political figures without providing critical analysis. Improving the logical flow of the article and clearly delineating between factual reporting and opinion would enhance its clarity. Additionally, simplifying complex historical references and providing definitions or explanations where necessary would make the article more accessible to a broader audience.

5
Source quality

The article cites a few sources, such as quotes from political figures and historical references. However, the credibility of these sources is questionable, as they are primarily opinions rather than expert analyses. The article would benefit from incorporating more authoritative and diverse sources, such as historians or political analysts, to provide a well-rounded and credible perspective. Additionally, the reliance on quotes from political figures, especially those with potential biases, without further verification reduces the overall reliability of the article. Including a wider range of sources would strengthen the article's authority and depth.

4
Transparency

The article lacks transparency in several areas, particularly in providing sufficient context for some of the claims made. For instance, there is no clear explanation of the historical context and significance of the Panama Canal treaty, nor is there an exploration of the reasons behind Carter's decision. Additionally, potential conflicts of interest, such as political affiliations of the figures quoted, are not disclosed, which may affect the impartiality of the reporting. The article could improve transparency by offering more background information, explaining the basis for claims, and disclosing any affiliations that might influence the perspectives presented.