This story was originally published by the WND News Center.

One of the major targets of President Donald Trump's Make America Great Again campaign is the Panama Canal.

That asset, he pointed out, was built with American lives and American money, and turned over to Panama to operate.

However, he charged that China had embedded itself in the control functions of the canal, and he said that wouldn't be allowed, suggesting that America could "take it back."

Now that has happened, more or less.

An announcement has confirmed that money manager BlackRock has taken control of key canal ports in a $19 billion deal.

The announcement said, "BlackRock, the world's top money manager, is acquiring two key Panama Canal ports—Balboa and Cristobal—in a $19 billion deal with Hong Kong's CK Hutchison. The acquisition secures control over 40% of the canal's container traffic."

It said, "Trump has long claimed China 'runs' the canal and vowed to 'take it back'" Now, BlackRock's move effectively does it for him. With two-thirds of the canal's cargo linked to the U.S., this deal reshapes control over a critical global trade route."

Business Insider said BlackRock's acquisition brings ports "on both sides of the Panama Canal" under U.S. control and the move "removes them from the control of CK Hutchison Holdings."

The report explained BlackRock is acquiring "a 90% interest in the Panama Ports Company alongside Global Infrastructure Partners and container terminal group Terminal Investment."

Panama's participation in China's "Belt and Road Initiative" in which China takes control of various infrastructure around the world earlier was canceled.

CBS pointed out that the deal transfers control of "43 ports in 23 countries," including Mexico, the Netherlands, Egypt, Australia and Pakistan.

"This agreement is a powerful illustration of BlackRock and GIP's combined platform and our ability to deliver differentiated investments for clients. These world-class ports facilitate global growth," BlackRock CEO Larry Fink said.

The report explained, "U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Panama in early February and told President José Raúl Mulino that Panama had to reduce Chinese influence over the canal or face potential retaliation from the United States. Mulino rejected the idea that China had any control over canal operations."