Trump: Panama will lose control of Canal if it continues to ‘rip-off’ US

President-elect Trump took issue with fees charged to use the Panama Canal, a vital shipping route, on Saturday night, claiming that he will demand oversight of the waterway be given back to the U.S. when he returns to office if it's not changed.

“The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, especially knowing the extraordinary generosity that has been bestowed to Panama by the U.S,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “This complete ‘rip-off’ of our Country will immediately stop….”

Panama charges tariffs for boats and ships to pass through its canal. Fees vary based on the size and purpose of vessels, and the charges range from as low as $0.50 to as high as $300,000.

“If the principles, both moral and legal, of this magnanimous gesture of giving are not followed, then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us, in full, and without question,” Trump continued. “To the Officials of Panama, please be guided accordingly!

The U.S. uses the Panama Canal more than any other country. Control of the canal was transferred from the U.S. to the Central American country in 1999 as a result of a 1979 treaty under President Jimmy Carter, which Trump said was a foolish decision.

“When President Jimmy Carter foolishly gave it away, for One Dollar, during his term in Office, it was solely for Panama to manage, not China, or anyone else,” he stated. “It was likewise not given for Panama to charge the United States, its Navy, and corporations, doing business within our Country, exorbitant prices and rates of passage.”

The construction of the Panama Canal began in 1904 under President Teddy Roosevelt. The waterway was built to provide a speedy way to ship goods between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. At the time, it was viewed as one of the most critical foreign policy achievements.

Trump, on Saturday, called for a “secure” Panama Canal, underscoring its importance to American national security and the economy.

"The United States has a vested interest in the secure, efficient, and reliable operation of the Panama Canal, and that was always understood. We would and will NEVER let it fall into the wrong hands! It was not given for the benefit of others, but merely as a token of cooperation with us and Panama,” he added, stating that the country is being treated “in a very unfair and injudicious way.”

Topics

Panama says 55 US-bound migrants have died crossing Darién Gap this year

Officials also say 180 children have been abandoned crossing treacherous jungle from Colombia. Fifty-five US-bound migrants have died and 180 children have been abandoned this year while crossing ...
The Guardian - 2d
U.S. tech continues to power Russian weapons despite export controls, Senate Democrats find

A report from Senate Democrats says a key national security office remains critically underfunded, resulting in U.S-made technology continuing to fall into Russian hands as it conducts its illegal ...
NBC News - 3d
Watch live: Senate panel probes safety of US air traffic control

The Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations and Innovation on Thursday morning is set to debate the safety of U.S. air traffic control. The probe comes after a 114-page report, ...
The Hill - Dec. 12
Rupert Murdoch loses battle to control succession to his media empire

Media mogul’s three adult children will retain control despite attempt to give his son Lachlan complete control. Analysis: Why Murdoch’s succession case could be major blow to his rightwing ...
The Guardian - Dec. 9
As Syrian Government Loses Control, the Skies Above Go Quiet

For years, people lived in terror of airstrikes by Syrian and Russian planes that helped keep the country’s authoritarian leader in power.
The New York Times - Dec. 8
TikTok set to be banned in the US after losing appeal

The app - which faces being banned in a matter of weeks - says it will now take its case to the Supreme Court.
BBC News - Dec. 6
Ubisoft Co-Founders Want To Maintain Control As Talks With Tencent Continue - Report

According to a new report, Ubisoft's family founders are trying to find funding to keep the company in good financial standing while simultaneously attempting to keep control of the firm's ...
GameSpot - Dec. 6
Inside the Sprawling Military Zone Israel Uses to Control Gaza From Within

The Netzarim corridor and other zones help Israel keep control of Gaza indefinitely, raising concerns about occupation.
The Wall Street Journal - Dec. 6
US expands list of Chinese technology companies under export controls

The U.S. Commerce Department has expanded the list of Chinese technology companies subject to export controls to include many that make equipment used to make computer chips
ABC News - Dec. 3