Panama Canal: Why is Trump threatening to regain control of Panama?
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Panama Canal: Why is Trump threatening to regain control of Panama?

Posted on by Amelia Pressman

The Panama Canal is on the right, Trump is on the red side.

Since this photo is from Getty Images/Panama Canal Authority

United States President-elect Donald Trump is not calling on Panama to reduce tolls on the Panama Canal or return it to U.S. control.

Trump says Panama charges fees that are too “unfair” and that the country must stop.

President-elect Trump delivered a speech for Arizona on Sunday, addressing supporters of Turning Point USA, a conservative activist group that will provide major support in the 2024 election campaign.

Trump is known to take action against the Panama Canal when he takes office next month.

Trump refused to get along with the president of Panama. We said I was independent and nothing was suitable for her.

President José Raúl Mulino says “every square meter” of the canal and the surrounding area belongs to “im kontri”.

President Mulino even added that Panama’s sovereignty and independence were non-negotiable.

This comment from Trump is like a rare example of a U.S. leader saying he needs to pressure a country to give up egg territory.

While we don’t explain how to proceed, there are clues to how American foreign policy and diplomacy changed after the January 20, 2025 inauguration at the White House.

Why is Trump threatening to take back control of me?

Because of the high shipping costs Trump claims, Panama says they will charge for the canal, but I am threatening to take back control of them.

If shipping fees are not reduced, Trump said, “we will demand that they return the Panama Canal to us completely, quickly and without restrictions.”

They also accuse Central American countries of overcharging American ships and naval vessels.

“The fees we charge for Panama are ridiculous and highly unfair,” they said.

“This complete rip-off of our country must be stopped immediately.”

What is the Panama Canal?

The 51 mile (82 km) long Panama Canal crosses the Central American country and is the main connection between the Atlantic and Pacific.

They were built in the early 1900s and the US retained control of the Canal Zone until 1977, when treaties gradually returned the land to Panama.

After a period of joint control, Panama assumed sole control starting in 1999.

Up to 14,000 ships cross the canal each year, including container ships carrying cars, natural gas and petroleum goods, as well as military vessels.

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