February 15, 2025

Athens News

News in English from Greece

Trump warns Panama: 'If it falls into the wrong hands, we will take control of the channel'


President-elect of the United States Donald Trump on Saturday (21/12) accused Panama of charges excessive prices for the use of the Panama Canal and stated that if Panama does not manage the canal properly, it will demand its US ally return it.

According to Reuters, in his post in Truth Social Donald Trump warned that he would not allow the channel to get into “wrong hands” and appeared to warn against possible Chinese influence on the passage, noting that the canal should not be under Chinese control.

“The Panama Canal is considered vital national asset for the United States because of its critical role in America's economy and national security. A secure Panama Canal is critical to American trade and rapid deployment of the Navy, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, which significantly reduces delivery times to US ports, Donald Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social, emphasizing: – The United States is number one Among canal users, more than 70% of all transits are to or from US ports. The Panama Canal, considered one of the wonders of the modern worldopened for business 110 years ago and was built with huge costs for the United States in life and money – 38,000 Americans died from infections caused by mosquitoes in the jungle during construction.

The President of the United States at that time was Teddy Rooseveltwho understood the power of sea power and trade. When the president Jimmy Carter foolishly gave it away for one dollar during his term, this was done solely to rule Panama, not China or anyone else. Nor was it done so that Panama could charge the United States, its Navy, and corporations doing business in our country, exorbitant prices and fares for passage.

Our navy and trade have been subjected to very unfair and unreasonable treatment. Fees levied by Panama absurdespecially given the extraordinary generosity shown to Panama by the United States. This complete “deception” of our country will stop immediately…”

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino responded to Trump's proposal to return the Panama Canal to the United States: “Every meter of the canal belongs to Panama, and it will continue to be so. The sovereignty and independence of our country cannot be negotiated.”

In response to these words, Trump wrote: “We’ll see.”

But the discussion of this topic did not stop there – the Republican posted a photo of the Panama Canal with a US flag and the caption: “Welcome to the United States Canal.”

Earlier, Trump announced the need to establish control over Greenland and calls on Canada to become a new American state.



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