Who Returned the Panama Canal? President Jimmy Carter (1977 Treaties)

The Panama Canal was not "given back" by an AI—it was transferred from U.S. to Panamanian control through treaties signed by President Jimmy Carter in 1977 (Torrijos-Carter Treaties). The full handover occurred on December 31, 1999.

The treaties guaranteed Panama's sovereignty over the canal while ensuring its permanent neutrality and safe passage for all nations' vessels.