President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to take back the Panama Canal if Panama continues to “rip off” the United States with “exorbitant” transit fees.
in post President Trump spoke on Truth Social about the Panama Canal and how it is considered a “vital national asset” to the United States, and how the United States is the “number one user” of the Canal. I talked about something. President Trump said when former President Jimmy Carter “foolishly” let go of the Panama Canal, it was not about “Panama charging a higher price” to “the United States, its navy, and the companies that do business with the United States.” he added.
“The Panama Canal is considered a vital national asset to the United States because of its critical role to our economy and nation,” Trump wrote. “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.”
“The United States is the largest user of the canal, with more than 70 percent of all traffic heading to or departing from U.S. ports,” Trump added. “Considered one of the wonders of the modern world, the Panama Canal opened 110 years ago and was built at a huge cost in American life and treasure. 8,000 American men died.”
Trump emphasized how former President Theodore Roosevelt, “the then president of the United States” who was building the Panama Canal, “understood the strength of naval power and trade.”
“When President Jimmy Carter foolishly handed it over for $1 during his term, only Panama was in control of it, not China or anyone else,” Trump continued. “Panama likewise should not have been allowed to charge exorbitant fees and tolls to the United States, its Navy, and companies doing business in the country. Our Navy and Department of Commerce are deeply unfair and We have been treated unfairly. The fees Panama charges are ridiculous, especially considering the extraordinary generosity the United States has given Panama, and this complete “rip-off” of our country must be stopped immediately. Dew. ”
somewhere else postPresident Trump said the United States would “never leave the Panama Canal in the wrong hands,” adding that the canal was given “as a sign of cooperation” between the United States and Panama. Trump added that if the “moral and legal principles” of the “donating gesture” are not respected, the United States “will demand the return of the Panama Canal.”
“The United States has a vested interest in the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the Panama Canal, and that has always been understood,” Trump wrote. “We will never allow it to fall into the wrong hands! It was not given for the benefit of others, but simply as a token of our cooperation with Panama. 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.
