Former U.S. President Donald Trump has called for the Panama Canal to be returned to the United States, accusing Panama of mismanaging the vital waterway and imposing exorbitant transit fees. The remarks, made on his Truth Social platform late Saturday, come just over a month before Trump is set to assume office for his second term.
Trump described Panama’s tolls for ships passing through the canal as “ridiculous,” arguing that they undermine the "extraordinary generosity" the U.S. extended to Panama. “This complete ‘rip-off’ of our country will immediately stop,” he wrote, signaling a hardline stance on the canal’s operations.
He also expressed concerns over the canal potentially falling under Chinese influence. While Panama retains full control over the canal, Trump emphasized its strategic importance to U.S. commerce and national security, warning, “The canal should not be managed by China.”
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino responded firmly, rejecting Trump’s assertions about inflated fees and reaffirming the canal’s sovereignty. “Every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent zones is part of Panama, and it will continue to be,” Mulino said in a statement posted on social media.
The canal, a cornerstone of global trade, has been under Panama’s control since 1999, following the 1977 Torrijos-Carter Treaties negotiated by U.S. President Jimmy Carter. These agreements handed administrative authority to Panama while allowing the U.S. to defend the canal’s neutrality.
Trump’s comments come as the canal faces challenges due to severe drought conditions, which have led to a 29% decline in vessel transits over the past fiscal year. Only 9,944 ships passed through the canal from October 2023 to September 2024, compared to 14,080 the previous year.
The canal's reduced capacity has further strained global supply chains, with National Economic Council Director Lael Brainard highlighting its impact on shipping disruptions.
Trump’s statements also underscore his broader diplomatic agenda, signaling a tougher approach to both China and European allies. Last week, reports surfaced that his team would demand NATO members increase defense spending to 5% of their GDP.
China remains the canal’s second-largest customer, following the U.S., and has economic stakes in the region, including controlling two of the five ports adjacent to the canal.
Meanwhile, neighboring Nicaragua has unveiled plans for an alternative interoceanic waterway, which could attract investment from both the U.S. and China. Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega described Panama’s canal as increasingly problematic for shipping and pitched the project as a viable competitor.
An official from Panama’s government has indicated that a formal response to Trump’s statement will be issued in the coming days. As tensions rise over the canal’s management, its role in global trade and geopolitical power dynamics remains in the spotlight.
For Trump, the Panama Canal is another flashpoint in his broader vision of reshaping U.S. foreign policy—one that could redefine relations with key global players.
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