News Brief
Trump Threatens To Demand Return Of Panama Canal To US Over 'Rip-Off' Fees And Management Concerns
A small portion of Panama Canal
United States President-elect Donald Trump accused Panama on Saturday (21 December) of charging excessive fees for the use of the Panama Canal.
He warned that if if Panama did not manage the canal in an acceptable fashion, he would demand the US ally hand it over.
Trump took to his social media platform Truth Social, stating he would not allow the Panama Canal to fall into "wrong hands."
He appeared to caution against potential Chinese involvement, emphasising that the canal should not be under China's management.
Trump’s post marked a rare instance of a US leader suggesting the possibility of pressuring a sovereign nation to cede territory.
It highlighted a likely change in US foreign policy under his leadership, reflecting his history of employing strong rhetoric and bold threats in diplomatic dealings.
"The Panama Canal is considered a VITAL National Asset for the United States, due to its critical role to America’s Economy and National Security...considered one of the Wonders of the Modern World, the Panama Canal opened for business 110 years ago, and was built at HUGE cost to the United States in lives and treasure - 38,000 American men died from infected mosquitos in the jungles during construction," Trump said.
"Teddy Roosevelt was President of the United States at the time of its building, and understood the strength of Naval Power and Trade. When President Jimmy Carter foolishly gave it away, for One Dollar, during his term in Office, it was solely for Panama to manage, not China, or anyone else," he said.
"It was likewise not given for Panama to charge the United States, its Navy, and corporations, doing business within our Country, exorbitant prices and rates of passage. Our Navy and Commerce have been treated in a very unfair and injudicious way. The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, especially knowing the extraordinary generosity that has been bestowed to Panama by the U.S. This complete “rip-off” of our Country will immediately stop," he added.
Trump said that the United States has a vested interest in the secure, efficient, and reliable operation of the Panama Canal.
"We would and will NEVER let it fall into the wrong hands! It was not given for the benefit of others, but merely as a token of cooperation with us and Panama. If the principles, both moral and legal, of this magnanimous gesture of giving are not followed, then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us, in full, and without question. To the Officials of Panama, please be guided accordingly!," he added.
