Trump threatens to try to take back the Panama Canal
Associated PressDEC 22 2024
Trump, Panama Clash Over Canal Control Demands
Above: A passenger ship navigates through the Miraflores locks of the Panama Canal near Panama City, Panama, on Dec. 22, 2024. Image copyright: Tarina Rodriguez/Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Facts
During a speech at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest in Arizona on Sunday, US Pres.-elect Donald Trump demanded Panama reduce "ridiculous" fees on the Panama Canal or return it to US control.
Panama's Pres. José Raúl Mulino rejected Trump's demands, stating that "every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent area belong to Panama, and will continue to."
The US built the Panama Canal in the early 1900s and transferred its complete control to Panama in 1999 under treaties signed by Pres. Jimmy Carter in 1977.
The Spin
Narrative A
The Panama Canal's excessive fees and potential Chinese influence threaten US interests. The canal was given to Panama as a token of cooperation, and if the country fails to manage it properly, Washington must reclaim control to protect this vital strategic asset.
Narrative B
Panama's sovereignty over the canal is non-negotiable, and fees are set transparently based on market conditions and operational needs. The canal's management remains independent, and Panama has successfully expanded and modernized the waterway on its own initiative.
Metaculus Prediction
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