Trump calls Panama Canal fees ‘ridiculous,’ threatens US reclamation

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday criticized the tolls charged for American ships passing through the Panama Canal, labeling them as “ridiculous” and hinting at potential action to reclaim control of the vital waterway.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the canal as a critical asset for the United States, essential for commerce and national security. “Our Navy and Commerce have been treated in a very unfair and injudicious way. The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous,” he wrote. “This complete ‘rip-off’ of our Country will immediately stop.”

The remarks also reignited debates surrounding the 1977 Panama Canal Treaty, which was signed by President Jimmy Carter and led to the canal’s transfer to Panamanian control in 1999. Trump called the treaty a mistake and raised concerns over foreign influence, particularly from China. “It was solely for Panama to manage, not China, or anyone else. We would and will NEVER let it fall into the wrong hands!” he warned.

The Panama Canal, which facilitates approximately 5% of global maritime traffic, remains a critical passage for U.S. trade and military operations, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It supports trade routes with key partners such as China, Japan, and South Korea.

Despite Trump’s criticism, Panama has maintained firm control over the canal, which generated nearly $5 billion in toll revenue during the last fiscal year. Trump, however, suggested that if Panama could not guarantee the canal’s secure and efficient operation, the U.S. would demand its return “in full, and without question.”