Donald Trump mocks Panama: ‘Welcome to America’s canal’

What’s new

Donald Trump has mocked Panama with a post on social media saying: “welcome to America’s channel.”

The president-elect posted the announcement on Truth Social on Sunday along with a photo of an American flag hanging from the mast of a ship that appears to be traveling through the Panama Canal.

Newsweek has reached out to the Trump-Vance transition team and the Panamanian embassy in Washington DC for comment outside of business hours.

Why it matters

Since winning the presidency, Trump has signaled a strong “America First” approach to trade and foreign policy, pushing for balanced deals on US foreign financial obligations.

He has threatened tariffs on various economic partners; proposed that Canada become the 51st state; and said the United States should let more allies fund their own defense.

His recent comments on the Panama Canal suggest he may further target US relations with Central American nations.

What to know

Trump said Sunday that the United States could demand the return of the canal if the Central American country fails to reduce the fees it charges American ships.

“The fees charged by Panama are ridiculous, especially given the extraordinary generosity that has been bestowed upon Panama by the United States. This complete ‘unmasking’ of our country will stop immediately,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“The United States has a vested interest in the safe, efficient and reliable operation of the Panama Canal, and that has always been understood. We would and will NEVER let it fall into the wrong hands! It was not given for the benefit of others, but simply as a sign of cooperation with us and Panama.

“If the principles, both moral and legal, of this generous gesture of giving are not followed, then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us, in its entirety and without question. !”

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino responded to Trump’s message, saying in a video posted on X, formerly Twitter: “Every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent territories belongs to Panama and will continue to belong to Panama.”

Trump responded, writing on Truth Social: “We’ll see.”

About 14,000 ships pass through the Panama Canal each year, according to figures compiled by Statista. The narrow route, first opened by the United States in 1914, allows cargo ships to travel between the American continents instead of having to go around them, reducing transit times.

Control of the canal was transferred from the United States to the Central American country in 1999 as a result of a 1979 treaty under President Jimmy Carter that Trump said was “foolish.”

What people say

Trump talked about the channel while addressing supporters in Arizona on Sunday, saying he wouldn’t let it fall into the “wrong hands.”

“Has anyone ever heard of the Panama Canal? Because we get ripped off at the Panama Canal, just like we get ripped off everywhere else,” he said.