Trump demands Panama lower Canal fees or return it to US – DW – 12/22/2024
www.dw.com
In a post on social media, the incoming US President Donald Trump described fees charged to use the key shipping lane as a "complete 'rip-off.'" He also warned of it falling into the "wrong hands."

Summary

Donald Trump criticized Panama Canal fees as “ridiculous” and demanded lower costs or the canal’s return to the US.

In a Truth Social post, Trump also expressed concern about potential Chinese influence over the waterway, despite no direct Chinese control of canal operations.

The canal, transferred to Panama in 1999, is vital for global trade, handling 5% of maritime traffic.

Trump’s comments follow record revenues of $5 billion announced by the Panama Canal Authority. Panama has not yet responded to his statements.

  • kent_eh@lemmy.caEnglish
    3·
    1 day ago

    Trump “demands” lots of things. Almost all of them are directly against the interests of the party he’s demanding them from.

    He’s a bully who thinks he deserves to get his way all the time in all things. And he’s a crybaby when he doesn’t get what he wants.

    And he’s enough of an idiot to come up with a lot of ridiculous things to try and demand.