Incoming President Donald Trump criticized what he referred to as unfair fees imposed on US ships passing through the Panama Canal, warning that he would demand the waterway be returned to US control. He also expressed concern about China’s growing influence in the region, a development that could harm American interests, as US businesses relied on the canal to facilitate trade between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
“Our Navy and Commerce have been treated in a very unfair and injudicious way. The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous,” he stated in a post on his Truth Social platform.
“This complete ‘rip-off’ of our Country will immediately stop.”
The Panama Canal, which had been completed by the United States in 1914, was handed over to Panama in a 1977 agreement signed by Democratic President Jimmy Carter. Panama assumed full control of the canal in 1999.
“It was solely for Panama to manage, not China, or anyone else,” Trump said. “We would and will NEVER let it fall into the wrong hands!”
He further stated that if Panama could not guarantee “the secure, efficient and reliable operation” of the canal, “then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us, in full, and without question.”
{Matzav.com}