Panama Pushes Back Against Trump’s Threats Over Canal Control

Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino has firmly rebuffed President-elect Donald Trump’s controversial remarks suggesting the United States might reclaim control of the Panama Canal. Trump, speaking over the weekend, criticized Panama’s toll rates for using the critical shipping channel, labeling them “exorbitant.”

Mulino wasted no time in asserting Panama’s sovereignty. “Every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent area belong to Panama, and will continue to,” Mulino declared in a statement Sunday. “The sovereignty and independence of our country are not negotiable.”

Trump’s Bold Claims on Canal and Territories

Speaking at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in Arizona, Trump reiterated his stance, claiming the U.S. was “being ripped off” by Panama. He warned Panamanian officials, “Please be guided accordingly,” sparking swift backlash from Panama’s leadership.

This is not the first time Trump has suggested bold territorial moves. In recent weeks, he mused about Canada becoming a U.S. state and floated the idea of purchasing Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. Trump’s comments have raised eyebrows internationally and stirred debate about U.S. foreign policy under his incoming administration.

Panama’s History and Resolve

The Panama Canal, built by the United States in the early 20th century, has been under Panamanian control since 1999. The transition followed a historic treaty signed by President Jimmy Carter in 1977, ending decades of U.S. jurisdiction over the waterway. Today, the canal is a vital route for global commerce, with over 14,000 vessels passing through annually.

Mulino defended the toll rates as carefully calculated to reflect market conditions, operating costs, and modernization needs. “We Panamanians may think differently in many aspects, but when it comes to our Canal and our sovereignty, we all unite under a single flag, that of Panama,” Mulino emphasized.

Trump’s Response

On Truth Social, Trump responded to Mulino’s statement with a defiant, “We’ll see about that!” signaling that tensions over the canal could escalate further as Trump prepares to take office next month.

A Test for Panama-U.S. Relations

The exchange highlights a potential flashpoint in Panama-U.S. relations. As Trump prepares to enter the White House, his aggressive rhetoric on international matters raises questions about how his administration will approach key global partnerships and longstanding agreements.

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