President-elect Trump on Saturday night objected to fees for the vital Panama Canal, saying he would demand that control of the waterway be returned to the United States when he returns to office if no changes are made.
“The fees Panama charges are ridiculous, especially given the extraordinary generosity the United States has given Panama,” President Trump wrote on Truth Social. “This complete ‘rip-off’ of our country will be stopped immediately…”
Panama Fee This is to allow boats and ships to pass through the canal. Rates vary depending on the size and purpose of the vessel and range from a minimum of $0.50 to a maximum of $300,000.
“If the moral and legal principles of this generous donation are not upheld, we will demand the full return of the Panama Canal, no questions asked,” Trump continued. “Panamanian authorities, please provide appropriate guidance!
America uses the Panama Canal more than any other country. Control of the canal was transferred from the United States to the Central American nation in 1999 as a result of a 1979 treaty under President Jimmy Carter, but Trump said it was a foolish decision.
“When President Jimmy Carter foolishly handed it over for $1 during his term, it was controlled solely by Panama, not by China or anyone else,” he said. “Similarly, Panama was not allowed to charge exorbitant prices and tolls to the United States, its navy, and companies doing business in the country.”
Construction of the Panama Canal began in 1904 under President Teddy Roosevelt. This waterway was built to provide a quick means of transporting goods between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. At the time, this was considered one of the most important foreign policy achievements.
President Trump on Saturday called for a “safe” Panama Canal, stressing its importance to U.S. national security and the economy.
“The United States has a vested interest in the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the Panama Canal, and that has always been understood. We do not want and will never allow it to fall into the wrong hands! It was not given to us for profit.''But it is simply a demonstration of our cooperation with Panama,'' he said, adding that the country was being treated in a “very unfair and unjust manner.''
