Republican lawmakers plan to introduce a bill that would give President-elect Donald Trump the power to buy and retake the Panama Canal.
Congressman Dusty Johnson (R-SD) explained to hill President Trump is “right to consider buying back the Panama Canal,” he said, adding that regaining U.S. control of the Canal “could be an important step” toward building a “stronger America.” .
Under Johnson's bill, President Trump “in coordination with the Secretary of State” would “initiate and conduct negotiations with appropriate parties of the government of the Republic of Panama to reacquire the Panama Canal,” according to the bill's text. ” is said to be empowered. hill Reported.
“President Trump is right to consider buying back the Panama Canal,” Johnson said. “China's interest in its presence around the canal is a cause for concern. America must project strength abroad — owning and operating the Panama Canal will lead to a stronger America and a safer world. This could be an important step towards this.”
President Trump has previously threatened to retake the Panama Canal if Panama continues to “rip off” the United States with “exorbitant” transit fees, calling it a “vital national asset” for the United States.
“The Panama Canal is considered a vital national asset to the United States because of its critical role in our economy and national security,” President Trump previously wrote in Truth Social. “A secure Panama Canal is critical to U.S. commerce and the rapid deployment of our Navy from the Atlantic to the Pacific, dramatically reducing transit times to U.S. ports.”
In response to President Trump's threat to retake the Panama Canal, Panamanian President José Raul Mulino said he would not discuss “any discussion” with Trump regarding the U.S. gaining control of the Canal or “reducing the transit fees imposed on the United States.” “excluded the possibility of''. boat. ”
