US President-elect Donald Trump has raised concerns over what he described as “unfair fees” for American ships using the Panama Canal, hinting at the possibility of demanding that control of the strategic waterway be returned to the United States. In a post shared on his Truth Social platform, Trump criticized Panama’s charges, calling them “ridiculous” and accusing the country of unfair treatment toward US Navy and Commerce operations. He also expressed worries about China’s growing influence around the canal, which he views as a threat to US interests.
The Panama Canal, completed by the US in 1914, was handed over to Panama under a 1977 agreement signed by US President Jimmy Carter. Panama assumed full control in 1999. However, Trump emphasized that the canal should solely be under Panama’s management and not that of other countries like China. He threatened that if Panama fails to ensure the canal’s “secure, efficient, and reliable operation,” the US would demand its return, “in full, and without question.”
The Panama Canal is a vital trade route, handling about 5% of global maritime traffic, especially between Asia and the US East Coast. In October, the Panama Canal Authority reported record revenues of nearly $5 billion. While Trump has not officially assumed office yet, his bold stance on this issue signals his ongoing influence in US politics and his commitment to fighting for American business interests on the global stage.
Trump’s statement has yet to receive a response from Panama’s authorities.
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