He assured that the US Navy and commerce have been treated unfairly due to excessive tariff charges.
The president-elect of the United States, Donald Trump, complained this Saturday of the “exorbitant” tariffs and management of the Panama Canal, and threatened to demand its “return” if the “moral and legal” principles are not respected.
The Republican, who takes office on January 20, pointed out on the Truth Social network that US Navy and commerce “have been treated in a very unfair and reckless manner” and urged “Panama officials” to behave accordingly.
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“The rates that Panama charges are ridiculous, especially knowing the extraordinary generosity that has been granted to Panama by the United States. “This complete ‘scam’ on our country will stop immediately.”he added.
The former president recalled that The United States is the number one user of the Canal, with more than 70% of all traffic to and from US ports.
Trump also criticized former President Jimmy Carter, who played a key role in transferring control of the Panama Canal from the United States to that country.
“When President Jimmy Carter foolishly gave it away, for one dollar, during his term, it was only Panama that managed itnot China or anyone else. “Panama was also not allowed to charge the United States, its Navy and the corporations that do business within our country, exorbitant prices and fares,” he wrote.
“If the principles, both moral and legal, of this magnanimous gesture of donation are not respected, We will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us, in its entirety and without question,” he stated.
Trump emphasized that “the United States has a vested interest in the safe, efficient and reliable operation of the Panama Canal,” which was built at a “enormous” cost to the country.
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“We would never allow it to fall into the wrong hands! It was not granted for the benefit of others, but simply as a sign of cooperation with us and Panama,” he stressed, without offering more details about what threats he is referring to, he said.
He added that a secure Panama Canal is crucial to U.S. commerce and the rapid deployment of the Navy.
