Trump Threatens to Reclaim Panama Canal Over Fees, Citing China Concerns

Dec 22, 2024, 04:15 PM

President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to demand the return of the Panama Canal to the United States if Panama does not reduce what he considers "ridiculous" and "exorbitant" fees charged to U.S. naval and merchant ships passing through the canal. Speaking at a rally in Arizona, Trump criticized Panama for imposing high tolls on American vessels, describing the situation as a "complete rip-off" and asserting that the canal is vital to U.S. commerce and national security. He referenced concerns over the canal potentially falling into "the wrong hands," alluding to China's growing influence. Trump also noted that the United States built the Panama Canal over a century ago and criticized past administrations, particularly Jimmy Carter's, for "foolishly" relinquishing control. He warned that if the unfair treatment continues, he will demand that the canal be returned to the U.S. "in full, quickly, and without question."