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.

  • VindictiveJudgeEnglish
    9•15 hours ago

    Lots of things about our elections were designed with the assumption that it would take ages for people to get anywhere, hence the delay. Not really relevant anymore, though.

    • @[email protected]English
      2•14 hours ago

      In the future, the US will finally make a constitutional amendment that fixes this, and a decade later we’ll develop human teleportation, but it’ll be another 100 years before they get to updating the constitution again.

      • @[email protected]English
        1•10 hours ago

        The constitution requires 3/4 of states to agree to an amendment. This kinda made sense when it was written. Now, unless something changes drastically, I can’t see the constitution amended ever again.

        • @[email protected]English
          2•9 hours ago

          Well, it’s not like we’re going to have human teleportation in 10 years time anytime soon ;)