Trump Proposes Reclaiming U.S. Control Over the Panama Canal – One America News Network
OAN Staff Blake Wolf
11:00 AM – Monday, December 23, 2024
President-elect Donald Trump has signaled his intention to take assertive measures regarding the Panama Canal, accusing Panama of imposing excessive fees on the United States for its use of the vital passage.
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In a post on Truth Social, Trump emphasized that the canal, originally constructed by the U.S., was not intended to enable Panama to impose “exorbitant prices and rates of passage.”
“The Panama Canal is viewed as a CRUCIAL National Asset for the U.S., given its significant contribution to the American Economy and National Security. A secure Panama Canal is essential for U.S. commerce and allows for the rapid movement of naval forces from the Atlantic to the Pacific, significantly reducing shipping times to American ports. The United States accounts for more than 70 percent of all canal transits, whether heading to or from U.S. ports,” Trump stated.
“Celebrated as one of the Wonders of the Modern World, the Panama Canal began operations 110 years ago, constructed at enormous cost to the United States in both lives and resources – 38,000 American workers succumbed to mosquito-borne illnesses during its construction. Teddy Roosevelt was the U.S. President when it was built, recognizing the importance of Naval Power and Trade. The decision by President Jimmy Carter to transfer control for just One Dollar during his administration was intended solely for Panama’s management, not for China or any other nation,” Trump asserted.
While China does not have ownership of the canal, a Hong Kong-based subsidiary, CK Hutchison Holdings, has long managed two ports at the Caribbean and Pacific entrances.
“It was also not intended for Panama to impose exorbitant charges on the United States, its Navy, and corporations operating within our borders. Our Navy and Commerce have been subjected to unfair treatment. The fees that Panama is charging are outrageous, especially considering the immense generosity that the U.S. has extended to Panama. This blatant ‘rip-off’ of our nation will come to an end…” he added.
Trump also addressed the issue during a rally at AmericaFest, stating that “we’re being ripped off at the Panama Canal just as we are being ripped off in many other areas.”
“It was transferred to Panama and its people, but there are conditions. You must treat us fairly, and they have not done so. If the moral and legal principles of this generous act are not honored, we will demand the immediate and unconditional return of the Panama Canal,” Trump declared.
In response, Panamanian politicians expressed their discontent with Trump’s statements.
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino refuted Trump’s assertions, emphasizing that the U.S. is not being mistreated and reaffirming that the canal rightfully belongs to Panama.
“As the president, I want to make it clear that every square meter of the Panama Canal and its surrounding area is the property of Panama and will remain so,” Mulino stated on Sunday. “The sovereignty and independence of our country are non-negotiable.”
The United States invested around $375 million in the construction of the Panama Canal from 1904 to 1914 and subsequently signed two accords in 1977, transferring control to Panama in 1999 after a joint administration period.
The canal facilitates the passage of approximately 14,000 ships annually and is said to account for 2.5% of global maritime trade.
It remains uncertain how Trump would envision reclaiming control of the canal, as observers speculate that his remarks may have been exaggerated, similar to his past statements about annexing Canada as the 51st state.
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