Trump threatens to take back control of Panama Canal over ‘ridiculous fees’ | US Election 2024 News |
Donald Trump has stirred controversy once again by demanding that Panama reduce its canal fees or hand back control of the strategic waterway to the United States. Speaking at the Turning Point USA conference in Arizona on Sunday, Trump addressed thousands of conservative supporters and accused Panama of imposing “ridiculous, highly unfair” charges on American shipping and naval vessels.
“This complete rip-off of our country will immediately stop,” Trump declared, promising swift action once he assumes office next month. The Panama Canal, a vital link between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, has long been a symbol of global trade power.
In response, Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino quickly dismissed Trump’s remarks. He emphasized that “every square metre” of the canal belongs to Panama and asserted that the country’s sovereignty is non-negotiable.
Trump’s comments mark a rare instance of a US leader publicly suggesting the possibility of reclaiming foreign territory. He stopped short of explaining how such a demand would be enforced but insisted that if shipping rates remain high, the canal must be “returned to us, in full, quickly and without question.”
The Panama Canal, stretching 51 miles across Central America, was under US control until a treaty signed in 1977 began a gradual handover to Panama. By 1999, the canal was fully under Panama’s control. Today, it remains a critical passage for global shipping, accommodating nearly 14,000 vessels annually.
Trump’s speech also touched on trade relations with Canada and Mexico, where he accused both nations of exploiting the US through “unfair practices.” However, he softened his tone when speaking about Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, calling her a “wonderful woman.”
The event, hosted by Turning Point USA, was Trump’s first major address following a congressional deal to keep the US government open. While he avoided discussing recent debt ceiling debates, he leaned heavily on familiar campaign themes—immigration, crime, and trade.
The former president even made a light-hearted remark about Elon Musk, dismissing rumors that Musk might somehow replace him. “No, no, that’s not happening. He’s not gonna be president,” Trump said with a smirk.
Trump’s bold rhetoric on the Panama Canal signals a potential shift in US foreign policy and trade relations under his leadership. However, how such demands would translate into actionable diplomacy remains unclear. For now, Panama remains firm in its stance: the canal is, and will remain, under their control.
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