Trump Wants Panama Canal if Usage Fees not Rationalized

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has said on his social media platform Truth Social that if Panama did not rationalize the rates of use the canal, his administration may demand Panama to hand the Panama Canal over the United States, news organisations have reported.

Trump accused Panama of charging excessive rate for the use of the Panama Canal, and posted on Truth Social: “The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, especially knowing the extraordinary generosity that has been bestowed to Panama by the U.S." "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."

Panama is a sovereign nation. Though the Panama Canal had been built by the United States, after years of joint administration, the Canal now has been handed over completely to Panama for managing.

Panama Canal is an important connecting point for trade different routes between the U.S., Hawaii, East Asia, South America and Europe.