Donald Trump responds to the president of Panama: “Welcome to the United States canal”

After the Panamanian president, José Raúl Mulin, responded to Donald Trump that The Panama Canal belongs to the Latin American country “and will continue to be so,” the elected president of the United States once again referred to the issue on his social network, Truth Social.

The businessman, who takes office as president on January 20, published a photo of the Panamanian president’s response and wrote: “We’ll see.”

Then, shared another image of what would be the Panama Canal
in which a ship is seen with a flag of the North American country. “Welcome to the United States channel,” he said.

Trump, last Saturday night, complained about the “exorbitant” tariffs and management of the Panama Canal, and threatened to demand its “return” if “moral and legal” principles are not respected.

He also criticized former President Carter, who “foolishly gave it (the canal) away for a dollar during his term,” and again claimed that China has interference in the administration of the waterway, of which the United States is the main user.

It should be noted that the Panama Canal was built by the United States, a country that inaugurated it in 1914. He administered it until December 31, 1999, when its transfer to the Panamanian state was agreed through the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, signed on September 7, 1977 in Washington by the then presidents: Panamanian Omar Torrijos (1929-1981) and the American Jimmy Carter (1977-1981).

This canal is the route that connects the Atlantic and the Pacific and through which about 3% of world trade passes. It is part of Panama’s “history of struggle and irreversible conquest,” said President Mulino.

(Also read: After attack in Russia, Vladimir Putin promises more “destruction” in Ukraine: “They will regret it.”)

“Tariffs are not a whim”: Panamanian president

Mulino, who assumed the presidency on July 1 for the five-year period 2024-2029, said in a video released by the government: “My fellow countrymen, as president I want to express precisely that Every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent areas belongs to Panama and will continue to do so. “The sovereignty and independence of our country are not negotiable.”

He highlighted that “since it has been in Panamanian hands, the canal has grown; it is managed by qualified professionals, who with clear rules are in charge of its operation, conservation and maintenance, ensuring its safe, continuous, efficient and profitable operation.”

“The rates are not a whim, they are established publicly and in an open audience, considering market conditions, international competition, operating costs and the maintenance and modernization needs of the interoceanic waterway,” he stated.

Mulino also asserted that “the channel has no direct or indirect control from China, the European Community or the United States.” or any other power.”

Petro speaks out supporting Panama

President Gustavo Petro, through his X account, wrote that “until the last consequences” he will be on the side of Panama and the defense of its sovereignty.

“If the new US government wants to talk about business, we will talk about business, face to face, and for the benefit of our people, but dignity will never be negotiated. President Trump has been wrong and contradicted. “If you do not want myriads passing through the Darién, increased by millions from Panama to Mexico, you must understand that it will depend on the prosperity and freedom of our people,” he wrote.