Trump pushes for American conquests of Panama and Canada
- Donald Trump criticized the toll fees imposed by Panama for the transit of ships through the canal.
- He argued that the U.S. should not be subject to high tolls since the canal was built by American efforts and handed over to Panama in 1999.
- Trump's demands for controlling the canal and his interest in Greenland raise questions about U.S. foreign policy and sovereignty.
In December 2024, then President-elect Donald Trump expressed strong dissatisfaction with the fees imposed by the Panamanian government for using the strategically crucial Panama Canal, a vital conduit for maritime trade linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Trump highlighted that the United States, being the largest user of the canal, should not be subjected to what he termed 'exorbitant fees' that can range from $3,000 to $500,000 depending on the vessel’s size and cargo. He claimed that the canal was originally built by the U.S. and handed over to Panama in 1999 under the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, suggesting that it was inappropriate for the current owners to charge high rates to American ships, military, and corporations. In a series of posts on social media, Trump reiterated his stance that the U.S. deserved the rights to the canal due to its past contributions and the perceived unfairness of Panama's toll system. He stated, "We will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us, in full, and without question," directly challenging the sovereignty of Panama over the canal. Trump's comments evoked strong responses from Panamanian officials, including President José Raúl Mulino, who defended the canal's operations and rejected Trump's stance, emphasizing that the tolls were necessary to cover the canal's operational costs and to fund infrastructure improvements that benefit all users. Simultaneously, Trump’s remarks were accompanied by claims about Greenland, where he argued for U.S. control over the territory to ensure national security and global stability. His comments were met with resistance from the Greenlandic Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who asserted that Greenland was not for sale and belonged to Denmark. This new wave of rhetoric echoed Trump's earlier discussions about acquiring both Greenland and portions of Canada, positing that the U.S. had a vested interest in controlling key strategic locations. The implications of such demands raised eyebrows internationally and provoked concerns about potential violations of sovereignty. Ultimately, these discussions reflect not only Trump's view of American foreign policy but also highlight the contentious relationships that can arise from such declarations. As Trump prepares to assume office, his foreign policy approach signals a return to a more aggressive viewpoint concerning American territorial interests and the perceived rights over strategic global assets.