President-elect Donald Trump has escalated a dispute with Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino over the Panama Canal, raising questions about its management and strategic importance to the United States. Trump warned that the U.S. might reconsider its stance on the canal if Panama continues to impose practices he deems unfair.
In a Truth Social post, Trump called the canal a critical asset for the U.S., citing its importance to national security and trade. “The Panama Canal is considered a VITAL National Asset for the United States,” Trump wrote. He emphasized the canal’s role in facilitating commerce and enabling rapid Navy deployments.
Trump lets loose on the Panama officials who are charging the US exorbitant fees to use the Panama Canal which was given to them for one dollar in the spirit of cooperation between our two countries.🧵 pic.twitter.com/lCYv59KAqR
— JKash 🍊MAGA Queen (@JKash000) December 22, 2024
Trump highlighted the United States as the primary user of the canal, with over 70% of its traffic serving American ports. He reminded followers of the steep cost the U.S. paid to construct the canal, including the loss of 38,000 American lives during its creation.
You guys are forgetting Trump’s Art of the Deal thing. Threaten to invade Canada, Greenland, and Panama and then it won’t seem so bad when we only take over England.
— Jarvis (@jarvis_best) December 23, 2024
Mulino firmly responded to Trump’s remarks, asserting Panama’s ownership. “Every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent zone belongs to Panama, and will continue to do so,” Mulino said. He insisted that Panama’s sovereignty over the canal is non-negotiable.
Trump also criticized Panama’s management of the canal, accusing the country of charging excessive fees and involving China in its operations. He blamed former President Jimmy Carter for transferring control to Panama under what he called ill-advised terms. “This complete ‘rip-off’ of our Country will immediately stop,” Trump stated.
Mulino defended the canal’s operations, stating that fees are set through public hearings and reflect maintenance and modernization needs. Trump dismissed the explanation in a follow-up post, writing, “We’ll see about that.”
