BREAKING: Trump says US could demand ‘return’ of Panama Canal rather than ‘let it fall into the wrong hands’

Trump posted on Truth Social, "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."

He added that President Jimmy Carter "foolishly gave it away, for One Dollar, during his term in Office" for Panama to manage. "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," he added.

"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!"

Ocean carriers have been planning to launch surcharges for those going through the canal recently in response to the canal’s booking reservation system, according to Supply Chain Dive. Droughts have also plagued the canal, but conditions have been improving as the booking system has been implemented for the region, per Supply Chain Brain.

The surcharges include $40 per twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU), for all cargo types from Southeast Asia to the US East and Gulf Coast. A TEU is a measurement often used to describe dimensions of shipping containers. Other surcharges include $150 per TEU for South America West Coast to the US East Coast, $150 TEU for South America West Coast to Guyana North Brazil, and $150 per TEU for South America West Coast to the US and Canada. The effective date for the charges start on January 1, 2025.

The post from Trump follows a pattern from the president-elect of trying to improve trade conditions for the United States.