Former President Donald Trump has sparked international debate by threatening to demand the return of the Panama Canal if the country does not revise its shipping charges.
Trump's Bold Claim: Control of the Panama Canal on the Table
Trump's Bold Claim: Control of the Panama Canal on the Table
In a fiery address, Trump challenges Panama over canal fees and suggests U.S. reclaim might be in order.
Trump made headlines during his speech at the Turning Point USA annual conference, where he addressed thousands of conservative activists in Arizona. Amidst a series of remarks on various topics, he brought the spotlight to the Panama Canal, claiming that Panama is imposing "exorbitant prices" on American naval and shipping vessels. "The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, highly unfair," Trump asserted, promising to resolve the issue upon taking office next month.
His comments ignited a stern response from Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, who emphasized that "every square metre" of the canal area belongs to Panama and reiterated that the nation's sovereignty is "non-negotiable." This situation presents a rare instance of a U.S. leader suggesting territorial demands from a foreign nation, raising questions about future American foreign policy.
During his speech, Trump branded the Panama Canal a "vital national asset" for the U.S., and made it clear that if pricing did not change, he would pursue reclaiming the canal "in full, quickly and without question." The Panama Canal, a crucial maritime link between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, is historically significant as it was under U.S. control until 1977, completely returning to Panama in 1999.
In addition to his critique of Panama, Trump targeted Canada and Mexico regarding what he referred to as unfair trade practices, while generously praising Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. He avoided discussing recent negotiations to keep the U.S. government operational, instead choosing to relive his election victory themes related to immigration, crime, and foreign commerce.
While fellow conservatives at the conference voiced concerns over government expenditures, discussions about the visible rifts in the Republican Party were mostly subdued. Trump also took a moment to quash rumors linking him to tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, humorously insisting, "No, no, that's not happening. He's not gonna be president."
His comments ignited a stern response from Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, who emphasized that "every square metre" of the canal area belongs to Panama and reiterated that the nation's sovereignty is "non-negotiable." This situation presents a rare instance of a U.S. leader suggesting territorial demands from a foreign nation, raising questions about future American foreign policy.
During his speech, Trump branded the Panama Canal a "vital national asset" for the U.S., and made it clear that if pricing did not change, he would pursue reclaiming the canal "in full, quickly and without question." The Panama Canal, a crucial maritime link between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, is historically significant as it was under U.S. control until 1977, completely returning to Panama in 1999.
In addition to his critique of Panama, Trump targeted Canada and Mexico regarding what he referred to as unfair trade practices, while generously praising Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. He avoided discussing recent negotiations to keep the U.S. government operational, instead choosing to relive his election victory themes related to immigration, crime, and foreign commerce.
While fellow conservatives at the conference voiced concerns over government expenditures, discussions about the visible rifts in the Republican Party were mostly subdued. Trump also took a moment to quash rumors linking him to tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, humorously insisting, "No, no, that's not happening. He's not gonna be president."
