In a strikingly assertive stance, President-elect Donald Trump called out the Panamanian government for what he described as “ridiculous” fees associated with the Panama Canal. Speaking to thousands of supporters at the Turning Point annual conference, a prominent gathering for conservative activists, Trump asserted that these financial terms are unfair to the U.S. and vowed to take action if he does not see a change.
“This complete rip-off of our country will immediately stop,” Trump declared, illustrating his determination to reshape U.S.-Panama relations after his inauguration on January 20. His comments ignited immediate backlash from Panama's President José Raúl Mulino, who countered that the canal and its surrounding territory are the rightful property of Panama, fiercely protecting the nation's sovereignty and independence.
This bold assertion marks a rare moment for a U.S. leader to suggest reclaiming territory from another nation and indicates a potential shift in American diplomacy. Trump had previously framed the Panama Canal as a "vital national asset," emphasizing the importance of fair shipping rates for American interests. During his speech, Trump threatened to demand the canal be returned to the U.S. “in full, quickly and without question” if the fee situation does not improve.
Built in the early 1900s, the Panama Canal has been a crucial conduit for international shipping since its completion, functioning as a link between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. After years of U.S. control which ended in 1999 following treaties to transfer sovereignty to Panama, around 14,000 ships now traverse the canal each year, including cargo vessels and military ships.
Beyond Panama, Trump criticized other nations, including Canada and Mexico, for what he alleged were unfair trade practices, while also touching on other campaign issues such as immigration and crime. His remarks come at a time when his supporters, bolstered by Turning Point's extensive voter mobilization efforts, continue to rally behind him for the upcoming presidential term.
As he gears up for his presidency, Trump’s focus remains sharply on reshaping America’s trade and diplomatic relationships, with Panama being just one example of several fronts on which he is expected to challenge the status quo.
“This complete rip-off of our country will immediately stop,” Trump declared, illustrating his determination to reshape U.S.-Panama relations after his inauguration on January 20. His comments ignited immediate backlash from Panama's President José Raúl Mulino, who countered that the canal and its surrounding territory are the rightful property of Panama, fiercely protecting the nation's sovereignty and independence.
This bold assertion marks a rare moment for a U.S. leader to suggest reclaiming territory from another nation and indicates a potential shift in American diplomacy. Trump had previously framed the Panama Canal as a "vital national asset," emphasizing the importance of fair shipping rates for American interests. During his speech, Trump threatened to demand the canal be returned to the U.S. “in full, quickly and without question” if the fee situation does not improve.
Built in the early 1900s, the Panama Canal has been a crucial conduit for international shipping since its completion, functioning as a link between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. After years of U.S. control which ended in 1999 following treaties to transfer sovereignty to Panama, around 14,000 ships now traverse the canal each year, including cargo vessels and military ships.
Beyond Panama, Trump criticized other nations, including Canada and Mexico, for what he alleged were unfair trade practices, while also touching on other campaign issues such as immigration and crime. His remarks come at a time when his supporters, bolstered by Turning Point's extensive voter mobilization efforts, continue to rally behind him for the upcoming presidential term.
As he gears up for his presidency, Trump’s focus remains sharply on reshaping America’s trade and diplomatic relationships, with Panama being just one example of several fronts on which he is expected to challenge the status quo.
