Trump Threatens to Reclaim Panama Canal Control Over “Unfair Fees”
In a provocative post on his Truth Social platform, US President-elect Donald Trump has stirred controversy by threatening to demand the return of control over the Panama Canal, citing what he called "unfair" fees imposed on American ships.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a provocative post on his Truth Social platform, US President-elect Donald Trump has stirred controversy by threatening to demand the return of control over the Panama Canal, citing what he called "unfair" fees imposed on American ships. Trump's remarks have sparked concerns about rising geopolitical tensions, particularly in light of the canal’s strategic significance to global trade.
The Panama Canal, a vital shipping route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, has long been a critical artery for international commerce. The United States, along with other major trading nations like China, Japan, and South Korea, is a primary user of the canal. Trump’s comments come amid growing concern over China’s increasing influence in the region, which he claims threatens US economic and security interests.
Trump, who takes office next month, expressed frustration over the fees Panama charges to American vessels, calling them “ridiculous” and a “rip-off.” He criticized Panama’s management of the waterway and questioned whether the country was upholding its responsibility to ensure the canal’s efficient operation. “We will NEVER let it fall into the wrong hands,” Trump wrote, suggesting that if Panama fails to maintain the canal’s security and operations, the US would demand the return of full control over the strategic waterway.
The Panama Canal has been under Panamanian control since 1999, following the 1977 Torrijos-Carter Treaty, which transferred ownership from the US. Despite this, the canal remains a vital link for American trade, with nearly 5% of global maritime traffic passing through annually. The canal’s economic importance was underscored by the Panama Canal Authority, which reported nearly $5 billion in revenue last year, further highlighting its value as a crucial piece of global infrastructure.
While Panama has not yet responded to Trump’s statements, his controversial remarks have reignited discussions about the US’s historical ties to the canal. With Trump set to take office, his threats to “retake” control could have significant geopolitical repercussions, particularly in the context of rising US-China tensions in the region.
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