'Ridiculous Fees ...' Donald Trump Threatens To Take Over Panama Canal - What's The Matter

President-elect Donald Trump has declared his intent to challenge Panama’s control of the Panama Canal, accusing the Central American nation of imposing "exorbitant prices" on American shipping and naval vessels.

“The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, highly unfair,” Trump told supporters in Arizona on Sunday, according to a BBC report.

Trump, addressing Turning Point USA’s annual conservative conference, emphasized that the current situation represents a "complete rip-off" of the United States and vowed to take action after his inauguration on January 20.

“This complete rip-off of our country will immediately stop,” he said, as reported by BBC.

Panama Responds with Firm Rejection
Trump’s remarks prompted a swift response from Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, who firmly rejected any suggestion of ceding the canal. "Every square metre of the canal and surrounding area belong to Panama," Mulino said, adding that the country’s sovereignty and independence were "non-negotiable," as reported by BBC.

The 51-mile (82-km) canal, a critical shipping route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, was under U.S. control until 1999, following a series of treaties signed in 1977.

It is currently managed by Panama, with nearly 14,000 ships transiting annually, carrying goods ranging from cars to natural gas, as detailed by BBC.

Calls for Action and Historical Context
During his speech, Trump suggested that if shipping rates are not lowered, the US could demand the canal’s return.

"We will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us, in full, quickly and without question," he asserted, according to BBC.

The Panama Canal, completed in the early 1900s with significant U.S. investment, has remained a vital global trade link. However, Trump’s comments indicate a possible shift in U.S. foreign policy and trade diplomacy.

Turning Point USA and Broader Themes
Trump’s address at the Turning Point USA conference also touched on other familiar themes, including immigration, trade, and crime. He criticized Canada and Mexico for unfair trade practices and accused them of enabling drug trafficking and illegal immigration.

However, he described Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum as a "wonderful woman," as reported by BBC.

The event, a major gathering of conservative activists, underscored Trump’s continued influence within Republican circles.

While he avoided addressing the recent US debt ceiling debate, his remarks about the Panama Canal highlighted his focus on trade and foreign policy priorities.

As reported by BBC, Trump’s speech also included lighter moments, such as denying rumors that he had ceded the presidency to Elon Musk . “No, no, that’s not happening,” he quipped.
Despite the controversy, Trump’s remarks indicate a bold and unconventional approach to foreign policy, setting the stage for significant challenges and changes in US-Panama relations.