(FreePressBeacon.com) – In a huge move sending shockwaves through international waters, Donald Trump has demanded control over the Panama Canal, calling out Panama for what he terms the “exorbitant” fees imposed on U.S. ships.
See the tweet below!
He warned that Panama must play by “moral and legal” rules or face the possibility of U.S. reclaiming control of this pivotal asset.
Trump is poised to reinstate American dominance over the canal if mismanagement continues.
President-elect Trump has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the current management of the Panama Canal, particularly targeting the high toll fees.
He lamented the fees as a “rip-off” and has demanded their reduction, underlining their strain on U.S. commerce and military logistics.
Given the canal’s critical role as a lifeline for the U.S. Navy and trade, Trump’s concerns align perfectly with America’s strategic interests.
In blasting the 1977 Panama Canal Treaty negotiated by President Jimmy Carter, Trump dubbed the handover as foolish.
He rekindled the historical narrative of the canal’s construction, where a large investment was made by the U.S., implying that the toll fees contradict what was once a mutual agreement.
A rebuke of past administrations for damaging American interests isn’t new to Trump.
The U.S. currently accounts for about 75% of the cargo passing through the canal annually, making it Panama’s largest customer.
Yet, recent records show decreased contributions to Panama’s treasury, accompanied by operational strains due to a persistent drought.
Such situations intensify Trump’s argument for a change in management or ownership.
“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,” Trump explained in a Truth Social post.
Some express concerns regarding Chinese influence near the canal, particularly with a Hong Kong-based company controlling proximate ports.
This lies at the center of Trump’s worries about foreign meddling, clouding the waters with national security implications.
Defenders of Trump’s position argue this is a scenario that could weaken American interests if not addressed.
They said it couldn’t be done, but President Trump will rightfully reclaim the Panama Canal, just like when we took Lady Liberty back from the French. pic.twitter.com/zeV2E2JrIL
— Gary Peterson 🇺🇸 (@GaryPetersonUSA) December 22, 2024
On another front, allegations against Trump’s business practices in Panama involving tax evasion have surfaced, potentially coloring his stance on the canal issue.
While these claims remain relevant, they do not detract from the necessity of maintaining strict oversight over such a vital maritime gateway.
Trump firmly believes the days of U.S. compromise and tolerance of being taken advantage of by foreign entities must end.
Restoring what was once rightfully American seems embedded in his diplomatic strategy, a strategy aimed to put American interests first and ensure the nation’s unmatched economic and military prowess continues unconstrained.
“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,” Trump declared.
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