PHOENIX (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump threatened to seek control of the Panama Canal during a speech Sunday, prompting an immediate response from Panama’s president defending his country’s sovereignty over the vital waterway.
Speaking to supporters at a Turning Point USA conference in Arizona, Trump demanded Panama reduce what he called “exorbitant” fees for American vessels using the canal, warning of consequences if the country refuses.
“If shipping rates are not lowered, we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us, in full, quickly and without question,” Trump said. “This complete rip-off of our country will immediately stop.”
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino swiftly rejected Trump’s comments, declaring that “every square metre” of the canal belongs to Panama and that the country’s sovereignty is non-negotiable.
The 51-mile waterway, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, was under U.S. control until 1977, when treaties began gradually transferring authority to Panama. The Central American nation assumed full control in 1999.
The canal serves as a crucial maritime route, with approximately 14,000 ships passing through annually, including military vessels and commercial ships carrying vehicles, natural gas, and other cargo.
During his speech at the conservative gathering, Trump also criticized Canada and Mexico over trade practices and border security, though he praised Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum as a “wonderful woman.”
The remarks about the Panama Canal represent an unusual stance for a U.S. leader, suggesting potential shifts in American foreign policy when Trump takes office on January 20. A day before the speech, Trump had described the canal as a “vital national asset” for the United States on social media.
The speech, Trump’s first since Congress passed a government funding deal this week, largely avoided domestic policy issues in favor of campaign themes including immigration and foreign trade.
Trump dismissed rumors about sharing power with Elon Musk, telling the crowd, “No, no, that’s not happening. He’s not gonna be president.”
