'Complete Rip-Off' Will Stop: Trump Floats Making Panama Canal America's Again
By Brittant SheehanIn a series of Saturday posts on TruthSocial, President-elect Donald Trump stated that if moral and legal principles are not followed, the Panama Canal should be "returned to us, in full, and without question."
The construction of the Panama Canal was a monumental achievement for the US in the early 20th century, requiring vast resources and the labor of American workers, many of whom lost their lives. The canal drastically shortened shipping routes between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, boosting American trade and strengthening naval power. Its historical importance is immense, as it played a key role in establishing the U.S. as a global power.
Trump emphasized that the canal is a vital national asset to the United States for both its economy and national security, writing:
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. The United States is the Number One user of the Canal, with over 70 percent of all transits heading to, or from, U.S. ports. Considered one of the Wonders of the Modern World, the Panama Canal opened for business 110 years ago, and was built at HUGE cost to the United States in lives and treasure - 38,000 American men died from infected mosquitos in the jungles during construction. Teddy Roosevelt was President of the United States at the time of its building, and understood the strength of Naval Power and Trade.
Trump criticized President Jimmy Carter for what he called a "foolish "decision to give the Panama Canal to Panama for just one dollar. The canal was officially transferred on December 31, 1999, as part of the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, which were signed in 1977 during Carter's presidency. Trump lamented the management of the canal, suggesting China has taken on a role intended to be solely Panama's.
He wrote:
When President Jimmy Carter foolishly gave it away, for One Dollar, during his term in Office, it was solely for Panama to manage, not China, or anyone else. It was likewise not given for Panama to charge the United States, its Navy, and corporations, doing business within our Country, exorbitant prices and rates of passage. 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.
In a separate post, Trump called the canal's operation a "vested interest" of the United States and warned Panamanian Officials to follow the agreement, writing:
….The United States has a vested interest in the secure, efficient, and reliable operation of the Panama Canal, and that was always understood. We would and will NEVER let it fall into the wrong hands! It was not given for the benefit of others, but merely as a token of cooperation with us and Panama. If the principles, both moral and legal, of this magnanimous gesture of giving are not followed, then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us, in full, and without question. To the Officials of Panama, please be guided accordingly!
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