President-elect Donald Trump says the Panama Canal should be returned to U.S. control if Panama does not change its management of the world-famous waterway.
According to Trump, the U.S. is paying too high fees, especially given the country’s history with the canal.
“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…” wrote Trump on Truth Social.
The incoming President called the famous waterway a “VITAL National Asset” because of “its critical role to America’s Economy and National Security.”
“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. 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 continued.
Trump said Panama was meant to manage the canal when control was handed over, “not China, or anyone else.”
“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!” posted Trump.
Roughly three-quarters of all cargo that transits the 51-mile canal is American. China is the waterway’s second biggest user, and a Chinese company also controls two of five ports that sit beside the canal, with one on each side.
Last year, The Dallas Express reported that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott was concerned over the apparent expanding Chinese government influence in Latin America, specifically pointing out the growing presence of Chinese companies along the canal.
The canal has suffered a reduction in traffic over the past year due to severe drought conditions. In November 2023, The Dallas Express detailed how some companies paid considerable sums to jump the growing line of idle ships. In one instance, a Japanese shipping company spent nearly $4 million for a chance to reduce wait times, revealing just how valuable this manmade shortcut is through the Americas.
On December 22, the incoming President again took to his social media platform, responding to a headline quoting the President of Panama as saying, “Every square meter of the Panama Canal… belongs to Panama and will continue belonging to Panama.”
“We’ll see about that!” said Trump.