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Trump Suggests U.S. Take Back Panama Canal in Controversial Remarks

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, President-elect Donald Trump suggested that the United States reclaim control of the Panama Canal. Speaking at Turning Point’s “America Fest” on Sunday, Trump criticized Panama’s management of the canal and expressed dissatisfaction with the fees charged to vessels using the crucial waterway.

Trump’s Call for Swift Action

“It was given to Panama and to the people of Panama, but it has provisions. You gotta treat us fairly, and they haven’t treated us fairly,” Trump told the crowd. He vowed to address the issue shortly after taking office, adding, “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 the United States of America in full, quickly and without question.”

An audience member’s shout of “take it back” received Trump’s approval, as he replied, “That’s a good idea.”

The Issue of Canal Fees

Trump has criticized Panama’s tariffs for ships crossing the canal, calling them “ridiculous” and “highly unfair.” The fees, which vary based on vessel size and purpose, can range from $0.50 to $300,000 per transit. In a Truth Social post, Trump referred to the charges as a “rip-off” and vowed to put an end to what he described as an exploitation of U.S. generosity.

“The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, especially knowing the extraordinary generosity that has been bestowed to Panama by the U.S.,” Trump wrote.

The Panama Canal, which connects the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, facilitates the transit of approximately 14,000 ships annually and handles 2.5% of global sea trade, according to Reuters. Control of the canal was transferred to Panama by the U.S. in 1999 as part of the Torrijos-Carter Treaties signed in 1977.

A Pattern of Controversial Proposals

This is not the first time Trump has suggested revisiting sovereign boundaries since his election victory. Last week, he proposed that Canada become the 51st state, questioning why the U.S. provides subsidies to its northern neighbor.

“No one can answer why we subsidize Canada to the tune of over $100,000,000 a year? Makes no sense!” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Many Canadians want Canada to become the 51st State.”

International Implications

Trump’s comments about the Panama Canal raise significant questions about U.S. foreign relations and international law. Reclaiming the canal would involve pressuring a sovereign nation to relinquish control of one of its key assets, a move that would likely spark diplomatic tensions and global controversy.

With the Panama Canal playing a critical role in global trade and U.S. economic interests, Trump’s remarks are sure to ignite debate about the balance between American influence and respect for international sovereignty.

 

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3 thoughts on “Trump Suggests U.S. Take Back Panama Canal in Controversial Remarks

  1. Only 2% of the world’s shipping goes through the Canal. It’s almost useless.

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  2. Trump uses hyperbole because it gets folks riled up…………………..

  3. “Many Canadians want Canada to become the 51st State.”

    The folks in Alberta would do it gladly, I know a bunch of them. They have the same “coastal” problems up there as we have down here.

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