As he unveils his plans for the future, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has set his sights on reclaiming ownership of the Panama Canal. Accusing Panama of treating the U.S. “in a very unfair and injudicious way,” Trump declared that “this complete ‘rip-off’ of our country will immediately stop.”
Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino swiftly responded, stating, “Every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent area belongs to Panama and will continue belonging to Panama.” He emphasized that the canal’s toll-setting process is public, transparent, and not subject to the whims of any individual, rejecting any notion of reducing tolls for U.S. ships.
On January 7, Trump refused to rule out using military or economic action to pursue the acquisition of the Panama Canal and Greenland. This move is part of a broader expansionist agenda he has promoted since winning the election on November 5, 2024.
Residents of Panama have voiced their opinions on the matter. Luis Gomez, a local photographer, said Trump’s statements “do not make sense and seem a bit illogical.” He believes that “communication, negotiation, and clarification are the best way to resolve the issue peacefully.”
Reference(s):
We Talk: Panamanian residents on Trump's ambitions for Panama Canal
cgtn.com
