President-elect Donald Trump has called on Panama to lower fees associated with the Panama Canal or face the possibility of the waterway being returned to US control. He has criticized the Central American nation for imposing what he describes as “exorbitant prices” on American shipping and naval vessels.
“The fees imposed by Panama are exorbitant and deeply unjust,” he stated to a gathering of supporters in Arizona on Sunday.
“This blatant exploitation of our nation will come to an end immediately,” he stated, discussing his plans upon taking office next month.
Panama’s president swiftly responded to his comments, asserting that “every square meter” of the canal and its adjacent territory is Panama’s rightful property.
President José Raúl Mulino emphasized that the sovereignty and independence of Panama are absolute and cannot be compromised.
During a recent gathering, Trump addressed supporters of Turning Point USA, a conservative activist organization that has played a crucial role in backing his 2024 election campaign.
The statement marked an unusual instance of a US leader suggesting he could compel a nation to relinquish territory despite lacking clarity on his methods. This remark also signals potential changes in American foreign policy and diplomacy as he prepares to assume office on January 20.
Following a similar statement the previous day, Trump remarked that the Panama Canal represents a “vital national asset” for the United States.
On Sunday, Trump asserted that if shipping rates remain unchanged, “we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us, in full, quickly and without question.”
The Panama Canal, spanning 51 miles (82 km), traverses the heart of Central America, serving as the primary conduit between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
The canal’s construction began in the early 1900s, with the United States retaining control over the canal zone until 1977 when a series of treaties facilitated the gradual transfer of land back to Panama. In 1999, Panama assumed exclusive control following a period of shared governance.
Each year, the canal sees the passage of up to 14,000 ships, which include container vessels transporting cars, natural gas, and various other goods, alongside military ships.
The president-elect has also criticized Canada and Mexico, labeling their trade practices as unfair, in addition to his remarks about Panama. He leveled accusations against them for permitting drugs and immigrants to enter the US despite referring to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum as a “wonderful woman.”
During the annual conference hosted by Turning Point, one of the nation’s largest assemblies of conservative activists, Trump addressed a crowd of thousands.
Turning Point allocated significant resources to mobilize voters in key swing states, aiming to support Trump and other Republican candidates throughout the campaign.
In his inaugural address following the recent passage of a deal in Congress aimed at maintaining government operations, several provisions were notably omitted, including a significant measure that would have raised the nation’s debt ceiling.
Former President Trump expressed his support for increasing the debt ceiling, a measure that limits the borrowing capacity of the United States government.
However, his address on Sunday sidestepped that particular issue, focusing instead on a recap of his electoral triumph and reiterating key themes such as immigration, crime, and foreign trade, which were central to his campaign.
He did, however, bring up Elon Musk.
“They seem to be pursuing a new trend,” he remarked. Numerous hoaxes have emerged. In a surprising turn of events, President Trump has officially transferred the presidency to Elon Musk.
“Not,” he stated firmly. “He is unlikely to become president.”
At the conference, numerous speakers criticized government spending and politicians’ actions from both parties. However, the internal divisions within the Republican Party, which have recently surfaced in Congress, were largely subdued.
