Brad Sherman U.S. House of Representatives from California | Official U.S. House Headshot
Brad Sherman U.S. House of Representatives from California | Official U.S. House Headshot
Congressman Brad Sherman, representing California's 32nd District since 1997, shared his thoughts on social media regarding historical inaccuracies in a recent speech by former President Donald Trump. Sherman's comments focused on the death toll figures cited during Trump's inaugural address related to the construction of the Panama Canal.
On January 20, 2025, Congressman Sherman stated: "In his inaugural speech #TrumpInauguration, he claims 38,000 Americans died building the Panama Canal. From 1904 to 1914, 6,000 people died, mostly from Barbados. Only about 300 Americans died. 2/5".
Further addressing the historical context of the canal's construction, Sherman noted on January 20, 2025: "A French company tried to build the canal in the 1880s and 25,000 died, virtually none of whom were Americans. Those that died then were from Jamaica and France. 3/5".
Concluding his remarks on this subject, Sherman humorously suggested a change in ownership based on contributions to the canal’s construction: "Based upon Trump’s speech, the Panama Canal should be given to Barbados because thousands of Barbadians died in the building of the canal or maybe France or Jamaica. 4/5".
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