Donald Trump has warned that the United States could seize back the Panama Canal unless the country agrees to lower its costs and counter Chinese influence.
In a post on Truth Social, the incoming president urged the Panamanian government to start taking care of the canal or face the consequences.
He wrote:
The United States has a vested interest in the secure, efficient, and reliable operation of the Panama Canal, and that was always understood. We would and will NEVER let it fall into the wrong hands! It was not given for the benefit of others, but merely as a token of cooperation with us and Panama.
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. To the Officials of Panama, please be guided accordingly!
Trump later followed up with another post explaining its role preserving America’s economic and national security:
The Panama Canal is considered a VITAL National Asset for the United States, due to its critical role to America’s Economy and National Security. A secure Panama Canal is crucial for U.S. Commerce, and rapid deployment of the Navy, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and drastically cuts shipping times to U.S. ports.
The United States is the Number One user of the Canal, with over 70 percent of all transits heading to, or from, U.S. ports. Considered one of the Wonders of the Modern World, the Panama Canal opened for business 110 years ago, and was built at HUGE cost to the United States in lives and treasure – 38,000 American men died from infected mosquitos in the jungles during construction.
Teddy Roosevelt was President of the United States at the time of its building, and understood the strength of Naval Power and Trade. When President Jimmy Carter foolishly gave it away, for One Dollar, during his term in Office, it was solely for Panama to manage, not China, or anyone else.
It was likewise not given for Panama to charge the United States, its Navy, and corporations, doing business within our Country, exorbitant prices and rates of passage. Our Navy and Commerce have been treated in a very unfair and injudicious way.
The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, especially knowing the extraordinary generosity that has been bestowed to Panama by the U.S. This complete “rip-off” of our Country will immediately stop….
Panamanian officials have yet to respond to Trump’s warning, although it will be taken extremely seriously given the outsized role in plays in the country’s economy.
During his first term in office, Trump met with former Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela where he mentioned America’s involvement in the canal’s construction.
“The Panama Canal is doing quite well,” Trump remarked during the meeting. “I think we did a good job building it, right?”
The post Trump Warns He Will Take Back the Panama Canal Unless They Stop ‘Ripping Off’ America and Start Countering China’s Influence appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.