President-elect Donald Trump has suggested reclaiming US control of the Panama Canal, citing Panama’s allegedly exorbitant usage fees and potential risks of Chinese influence. In a Saturday evening post on Truth Social, Trump criticized the current management of the canal and warned against it falling into “the wrong hands.”
Trump’s comments referenced a Hong Kong-based company, CK Hutchinson Holdings, which operates ports near the canal’s entrances. Although China does not control or administer the canal, Trump implied concerns about Beijing’s influence.
“The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, especially given the extraordinary generosity the US has shown,” Trump stated, asserting that the canal should be returned to the US if Panama fails to follow “moral and legal” principles.
The Panama Canal, critical for global trade and US imports, was built and managed by the US until its transfer to Panamanian control in 1999 under a bilateral treaty. The canal facilitates up to 14,000 ships annually, accounting for 2.5% of global seaborne trade.
Trump’s post marks a rare instance of a US leader suggesting territorial reclamation. Previously, Trump expressed interest in acquiring Greenland and joked about annexing Canada. Panama’s embassy in Washington has yet to comment on his statements.
