Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), the outgoing chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, emphasized that President-elect Donald Trump's remarks concerning the Panama Canal may have serious repercussions for America's credibility on the global stage. In an interview on ABC News’s "This Week", Cardin articulated concerns that Trump's suggestion to reclaim control of the Panama Canal puts U.S. alliances at risk.

Cardin stated, "It’s a serious statement because it affects America's credibility globally. Our allies don't know whether we are reliable partners or not." He elaborated that remarks made by Trump at a recent rally, where he claimed the U.S. might demand the canal's return due to perceived unfair treatment regarding shipping fees, are detrimental to U.S. relations worldwide.

Specifically, Trump characterized the fees paid by American shipping companies as a "complete ripoff" and suggested that failure to adhere to equal treatment could lead to demands for the canal’s return. "If the principles, both moral and legal, of this magnanimous gesture of giving are not followed, then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States of America in full, quickly and without question," he declared at a conference. Such statements, according to Cardin, mirror Trump's previous remarks threatening the U.S. withdrawal from NATO, raising further doubts among allies about America's commitments to international agreements.

Moreover, Cardin warned that this type of rhetoric not only threatens U.S. credibility but could also lead allies to seek closer ties with nations like China and Russia. He expressed that, "It really feeds into Russia and China appeal to other countries as to whether they need to make alliances with Russia and China, whether America will be there for them globally." Trump’s claims also prompted a response from Panama, where President José Raúl Mulino condemned the remarks as an affront to his country's sovereignty.

Cardin concluded his remarks by underscoring the importance of clear U.S. commitments to international agreements, suggesting that countries like Ukraine are observing these developments closely. "We know that Russia will not stop with Ukraine," he stated, reinforcing the need for the U.S. to maintain strong alliances.

As the situation develops, the outgoing senator calls attention to how Trump's comments could not only reshape international perceptions but also challenge the fabric of longstanding U.S. foreign policy.