Donald Trump taunts Panama: “welcome to the United States canal”
What’s New
Donald Trump has taunted Panama with a social media post saying: “welcome to the United States Canal.”
The President-elect posted the message on Truth Social on Sunday, along with a photo of an American flag hanging from the mast of a ship appearing to travel through the Panama Canal.
Newsweek has contacted the Trump-Vance transition team and Panama’s embassy in Washington D.C. for comment outside of working hours.
Why It Matters
Since winning the presidential election, Trump has signaled a strong “America First” approach to trade and foreign policy, pushing for rebalanced deals on U.S. foreign financial commitments.
He has threatened tariffs on various economic partners; suggested Canada should become the 51st state; and said the U.S. should leave more allies to fund their own defense.
His latest comments on the Panama Canal suggest he may further target U.S. relations with Central American nations.
What To Know
Trump said on Sunday that the U.S. could demand the return of the canal if the Central American country fails to reduce the fees it charges American ships.
“The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, especially knowing the extraordinary generosity that has been bestowed to Panama by the U.S. This complete ‘rip-off’ of our Country will immediately stop,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“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.
“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. To the Officials of Panama, please be guided accordingly!”
Rick Scuteri/AP
Panama’s president José Raúl Mulino responded to Trump’s message, saying in a video posted on X, formerly Twitter: “Every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent areas belong to Panama and will continue belonging to Panama.”
Trump responded, writing on Truth Social: “We’ll see about that.”
Around 14,000 ships pass through the Panama Canal each year, according to figures compiled by Statista. The narrow route, first opened by the U.S. in 1914, allows cargo vessels to travel between the American continents rather than having to circumnavigate them, reducing transit times.
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 “foolish.”
What People Are Saying
Trump spoke about the canal while addressing supporters in Arizona on Sunday, saying he would not let it fall into the “wrong hands.”
“Has anyone ever heard of the Panama Canal? Because we’re being ripped off at the Panama Canal like we’re being ripped off everywhere else,” he said.
