Panama Dismisses Trump’s Threat to Seize Control of the Canal
Panama's President, Jose Raul Mulino, on Sunday downplayed statements made by US President-elect Donald Trump regarding a potential move to reclaim control of the Panama Canal. Trump's comments were made in light of perceived "unfair" treatment experienced by American vessels navigating the strategic waterway.
In a video shared on the platform X, as reported by AFP, Mulino asserted that the entire expanse of the Panama Canal, along with its surrounding regions, is the sovereign territory of Panama and will remain under its ownership.
In a statement made the day following President-elect Trump’s remarks about the canal on his Truth Social platform, Mulino issued public comments that, while not directly naming Trump, were widely interpreted as a response to the president-elect’s complaints.
He expressed concern, stating that the Navy and commercial entities have faced unjust and unreasonable treatment, criticizing Panama for imposing exorbitant fees.
Former President Donald Trump expressed concerns regarding China’s expanding influence over the Panama Canal, highlighting the issue as a troubling development for American interests. This significant waterway serves as a vital conduit for U.S. commerce, facilitating the transport of goods between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Former President Donald Trump emphasized that the management of the Panama Canal is a matter exclusively for Panama, asserting that neither China nor any other entity should have control. Trump stated, “We would and will never allow it to fall into the wrong hands.”
The Panama Canal, originally completed by the United States in 1914, was officially transferred back to Panama in accordance with a 1977 agreement brokered by then-Democratic President Jimmy Carter.
In 1999, Panama assumed complete control over its sovereignty.
In a recent statement, former President Donald Trump indicated that should Panama fail to guarantee the “secure, efficient, and reliable operation” of the Panama Canal, the United States would call for the full and unconditional return of the strategic waterway.
In response to former President Donald Trump’s assertions in his video statement, Mulino dismissed the claims but expressed his desire to maintain “a positive and respectful relationship” with the incoming administration.
“The canal operates without direct or indirect influence from China, the European Union, the United States, or any other global power,” stated Mulino. “As a Panamanian, I firmly oppose any claims that distort this truth.”
On Sunday, former President Donald Trump reacted to the dismissal of Mulino via a post on the social media platform Truth Social, stating, “We’ll see about that!”
