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.

  • TachyonTele@lemm.eeEnglish
    59·
    3 months ago

    Panama has not yet responded to his statements.

    Hopefully they just ignore him. And hopefully other countries start doing that too.

    No government ahould be compelled to respond to Truth Social posts.

    • Viking_Hippie@lemmy.dbzer0.comOPEnglish
      242·
      3 months ago

      Yeah, best case scenario is that the rest of the world starts to consciously uncouple from the US, taking away the ability of the incoming fascist government to strongarm “allies” into doing and saying everything they want or suffer financial and diplomatic ruin.

      • futatorius@lemm.eeEnglish
        8·
        3 months ago

        It’s already happening. If Trump attempts to go Neville Chamberlain on Ukraine, the Europeans (at least a large group of them) are willing to tell him to fuck off.

    • futatorius@lemm.eeEnglish
      5·
      3 months ago

      No civilized person should be compelled to listen to Trump’s whiny gob.