Trump Threatens To Take Back Panama Canal Over Fees

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President-elect Donald Trump issued a stern warning regarding the Panama Canal, threatening to reclaim control if Panama continues charging what he considers excessive transit fees.

Through a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump emphasized the canal’s significance as a crucial American asset and highlighted the United States’ position as its primary user. He expressed strong disapproval of Panama’s current management, particularly criticizing former President Jimmy Carter’s decision to transfer control of the canal.

🚨WOW. This is how leaders lead . Trump just politely demanded the return of the “MODERN WONDER OF THE WORLD” Panama Canal which Americans built at the cost of 38k lives. It was sold to Panama by Jimmy Carter for a dollar. The next day they raised fees making a fortune. It was… pic.twitter.com/1PHunRIPQc

— Johnny St.Pete (@JohnMcCloy) December 22, 2024

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“The Panama Canal is considered a VITAL National Asset for the United States, due to its critical role to America’s Economy and National,” Trump wrote. “A secure Panama Canal is crucial for U.S. Commerce, and rapid deployment of the Navy, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and drastically cuts shipping times to U.S. ports.”

“The United States is the Number One user of the Canal, with over 70 percent of all transits heading to, or from, U.S. ports,” Trump added. “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.”

The former president drew attention to the historical context, mentioning President Theodore Roosevelt’s role in the canal’s construction and understanding of naval power and trade significance. He criticized Carter’s decision to transfer control for a nominal sum, asserting that the agreement was meant for Panama’s management alone, not for imposing what he views as unreasonable fees on American vessels and commerce.

“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,” Trump continued. “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.”

Trump is 100% right. Carter should have never given up the Panama Canal. Let's reclaim it. pic.twitter.com/4qStwoSzUX

— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) December 22, 2024

In a subsequent post, Trump declared that preserving the canal’s security was paramount and issued a clear warning about potential consequences if the current situation persists.

“The United States has a vested interest in the secure, efficient, and reliable operation of the Panama Canal, and that was always understood,” Trump wrote. “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!”