Claiming that China is “operating” the Panama Canal, President Donald Trump announced in his inaugural address on Monday that “we’re taking it back,” asserting that the United States has been treated “unfairly.”
After being sworn in as the 47th U.S. President at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., Trump said, “The United States, I mean, think of this, spent more money than ever spent on a project before and lost 38 lives in the building of the Panama Canal. We have been treated very badly from this foolish gift that should never been made, and Panama’s promise to us has been broken.”
Following his victory in the U.S. presidential election last November, Trump threatened to take control of the canal, accusing Panama of imposing excessive fees on U.S. ships using one of the world’s busiest waterways.
“Our Navy and Commerce have been treated in a very unfair and injudicious way. The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform in November.
The U.S. largely constructed the canal, completing it in 1914, and managed the surrounding territory for decades. Full control was transferred to Panama in 1999 after a period of joint administration.
During his inaugural address, Trump also highlighted concerns about China’s growing influence near the canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Additionally, Trump revealed plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico.
“America will reclaim its rightful place as the greatest, most powerful, most respected nation on Earth — inspiring the awe and admiration of the entire world,” Trump declared. “A short time from now, we are going to be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.”
Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States during the 60th Presidential Inauguration. U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath of office.
