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."

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/23416568

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.

  • @AgrivarEnglish
    7•7 hours ago

    …as a lifelong New Englander, I’m not sure if I want to root for or against that proposal! (pre-Brexit it would have been a no-brainer; I’d love to be part of the EU)

    • sepiEnglish
      6•6 hours ago

      Why should anybody care about what you, a resident of the place thinks? This is how trump operates also: not caring about the residents or the people impacted.

    • bizarroland
      6•7 hours ago

      I vote we just give the 13 colonies to Canada. That should be fine.