Panama’s president hits back at Trump idea to reclaim key canal
President-elect Donald Trump has caused quite a stir with his recent comments about possibly reclaiming control of the Panama Canal. The Panama Canal, a vital waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, has been under Panamanian control since 1999. However, Trump’s remarks have reignited the debate over the canal’s ownership.
In a recent interview on ‘Sunday Morning Futures,’ Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with the current situation, claiming that the United States “foolishly gave it away” and is now “being ripped off” at the canal. These remarks have sparked a strong response from Panama’s President, José Raúl Mulino, who emphasized that the canal belongs to Panama and will continue to do so.
Mulino defended the canal’s operational costs and the reasoning behind the shipping fees, which have been a point of contention for Trump. The tolls for ships crossing the canal can range from three to six figures, depending on the size of the vessel and the amount of cargo it carries. The largest ships can be charged as much as $500,000, leading to complaints from U.S. shippers.
Trump has taken to social media to express his intentions, posting a picture of a U.S. flag planted in the canal zone with the phrase “Welcome to the United States Canal!” This move has further escalated tensions between the two countries, with Trump hinting at a potential takeover of the canal.
The Panama Canal has played a crucial role in global trade and transportation since its completion in 1914. The United States initially built the canal to facilitate the transit of commercial and military vessels between its coasts. However, control of the waterway was transferred to Panama in 1999 under a treaty signed during President Jimmy Carter’s administration.
The canal faced challenges in recent years, particularly during the 2023 Central American drought, which led to a reduction in daily crossing slots and an increase in fees. While operations have since normalized, price hikes are expected in the coming year as the canal continues to recover from the drought.
Overall, the debate over the Panama Canal’s ownership highlights the complex geopolitical issues surrounding global trade and infrastructure. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Trump’s comments will impact the relationship between the United States and Panama, as well as the future of this critical waterway.
