Let's just put all the idiocy in one thread
A ship passes through the Panama Canal. Photo: Martin Bernetti/AFP via Getty Images
President-elect Trump demanded Panamanian authorities either lower fees for U.S. ships to transit the Panama Canal, or return its control to the United States.
Why it matters: The U.S. ceded one of the world's most crucial pieces of infrastructure in 1999, and China has become increasingly influential in its operations since.
Catch up quick: Trump, in a lengthy series of Saturday evening posts to Truth Social, said American naval and commercial ships were being treated in an "unfair and injudicious way."
Trump demands return of Panama Canal if rates aren't cut
A ship passes through the Panama Canal. Photo: Martin Bernetti/AFP via Getty Images
President-elect Trump demanded Panamanian authorities either lower fees for U.S. ships to transit the Panama Canal, or return its control to the United States.
Why it matters: The U.S. ceded one of the world's most crucial pieces of infrastructure in 1999, and China has become increasingly influential in its operations since.
Catch up quick: Trump, in a lengthy series of Saturday evening posts to Truth Social, said American naval and commercial ships were being treated in an "unfair and injudicious way."
- Trump blasted past administrations for returning the canal to Panama's control, which he called a "token of cooperation."
- "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," Trump said.
- "The sovereignty and independence of our country are not negotiable," Mulino said.
- "Our canal has the mission to serve humanity and its commerce," Mulino added. "That is one of the greatest values that the Panamanians offer to the world."
- He subsequently posted a picture of the American flag flying over the canal and the message "Welcome to the United States Canal!"
- In 1977 President Jimmy Carter signed a treaty that returned the canal to full Panamanian control by the end of 1999 in exchange for its permanent neutrality.
- The canal has long been viewed as a tool of colonialism and colonial control. Panama sees the canal today as a key factor in its self -determination and national interest amid a changing global economy.
- The International Trade Administration estimates more than 70% of all ships transiting the canal are going to or from a U.S. port.
- About 2.5% of all global maritime trade passes through the canal, per McKinsey.
- In 2021 the Center for Strategic and International Studies warned a "key decision point" was coming for U.S. interests in the region, given China's expansion.
- The U.S. ambassador reportedly cautioned last year about the situation not escalating to where Panama has to choose between the U.S. and China.
- "This young Panamanian independent deputy will defend his country with his life if necessary," National Assembly member Manuel Alberto Samaniego Rodriguez posted on X, calling Trump's remarks "regrettable."
- "The United States has a big and vested interest in the secure, efficient and reliable operation of the Panama Canal," he said.
- It's falling into the wrong hands — it was not given for the benefit of others," Trump continued. "It was given with provisions, you have to treat us fairly and you are not treating us fairly."
