President-elect Trump on Saturday night raised questions about fees levied for use of the Panama Canal, a vital shipping route, insisting that when he returns, he will demand that oversight of the waterway be returned to the United States if it is not changed.
“The fees Panama is charging are outrageous,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Especially when you realize that the United States has been incredibly generous to Panama.” “The complete ‘rip-off’ of our country will stop immediately…
Panama imposes tariffs on boats and ships passing through the canal. Fees vary depending on the size and purpose of the vessel and can range from as low as $0.50 to as high as $300,000.
“If you do not follow the moral and legal principles of this generous donation, we will demand, without question, that the Panama Canal be returned to us in full,” Trump added. “Panamanian officials, please guide us accordingly!
The United States uses the Panama Canal more than any other country. Control of the canal was transferred from the United States to Central American countries in 1999 as a result of a treaty signed by President Jimmy Carter in 1979, which President Trump said was a foolish decision.
“When President Jimmy Carter foolishly gave away $1 during his presidency, that money could only be controlled by Panama, not China or anyone else,” he said. “Similarly, it is not acceptable for Panama to impose exorbitant prices and tolls on the United States, the Navy, and companies doing business within our country.”
Construction of the Panama Canal began in 1904 under President Teddy Roosevelt. The waterway was built to provide a quick way to transport goods between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. At the time, it was considered one of the most important foreign policy achievements.
President Trump on Saturday called for a “secure” Panama Canal, emphasizing its importance to U.S. national security and the economy.
“The United States has a vested interest in the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the Panama Canal, and this has always been understood. We will never, and never will, allow it to fall into the wrong hands! Given for the benefit of others, “It’s not that, but it’s just a sign of our cooperation with Panama,” he said, adding that Panama is being treated “in a very unfair and unfair way.”
