Incoming U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized Panama for what he deems excessive fees on U.S. ships using the Panama Canal and hinted at demanding control of the vital waterway be returned to the United States.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated, “Our Navy and Commerce have been treated in a very unfair and injudicious way. The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous. This complete ‘rip-off’ of our Country will immediately stop.”
Trump also raised concerns about China’s growing influence around the canal, emphasizing its importance for U.S. economic and security interests. “It was solely for Panama to manage, not China, or anyone else,” he declared. “We would and will NEVER let it fall into the wrong hands!”
The Panama Canal, completed by the United States in 1914, was handed over to Panama in 1999 under a treaty signed in 1977 during Jimmy Carter’s presidency. Trump warned that if Panama fails to ensure the canal’s secure and efficient operation, the U.S. will demand its full return.
Trump’s statements mark a rare instance of a U.S. leader suggesting the reclamation of sovereign territory, signaling a shift in U.S. foreign policy under his administration. Known for his assertive rhetoric, Trump has consistently advocated for U.S. business interests and challenged traditional diplomatic norms.
The Panama Canal, a critical passageway for global trade, facilitates around 5% of global maritime traffic. It significantly reduces travel time for ships moving between Asia and the U.S. East Coast, bypassing the hazardous route around South America’s southern tip.
In its last fiscal year, the Panama Canal Authority reported record earnings of nearly $5 billion, with primary users including the United States, China, Japan, and South Korea.
