Getty Images
Trump made the remarks in front of thousands at the annual Turning Point conference, one of the largest gatherings of conservative activists in the country.
President-elect Donald Trump has called on Panama to reduce taxes on the Panama Canal or return it to U.S. control, accusing the Central American country of charging “exorbitant prices” for U.S. ships and warships.
“The fees Panama is charging are ridiculous and completely unfair,” he told a crowd of supporters in Arizona on Sunday.
“This total scam of our country will stop immediately,” he said, referring to his taking office next month.
His remarks drew a swift rebuke from Panama's president, who said “every square meter” of the canal and its surroundings belonged to his country.
President José Raúl Mulino added that Panama's sovereignty and independence were non-negotiable.
Trump made the comments to supporters of Turning Point USA, a conservative activist group that has provided significant support to his 2024 election campaign.
It's a rare example of a U.S. leader saying he could push a country to cede territory — but failing to explain how he would do it — and a sign of how U.S. foreign policy and diplomacy could change once he enters the White House following his inauguration on January 20.
Trump's comments followed a similar message the day before in which he said the Panama Canal was a “vital national asset” for the United States.
If shipping rates are not reduced, Trump said Sunday, “we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us in full, quickly and without question.”
The 82 km long Panama Canal passes through this Central American country and is the main link between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
It was built in the early 1900s, and the United States maintained control over the canal zone until 1977, when treaties gradually ceded the land to Panama. After a period of joint control, Panama took sole control in 1999.
Up to 14,000 ships pass through the canal each year, including container ships carrying cars, natural gas and other goods, as well as military ships.
In addition to Panama, the president-elect also attacked Canada and Mexico for what he called unfair trade practices. He accused them of allowing drugs and immigrants into the United States, while calling Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum a “wonderful woman.”
Trump returns to the usual themes
Trump made the remarks in front of thousands at the annual Turning Point conference, one of the largest gatherings of conservative activists in the country.
Turning Point devoted enormous resources to get-out-the-vote efforts in swing states, intended to support Trump and other Republicans on the campaign trail.
It was his first speech since a deal was passed by Congress this week to keep the U.S. government open, after several provisions were removed, including one that would have raised the country's debt ceiling.
Trump had supported raising the debt ceiling, which limits the amount of money the U.S. government can borrow.
But his speech on Sunday avoided that question entirely, instead recapping his election victory and touching on themes – including immigration, crime and foreign trade – that were pillars of his campaign.
He did, however, mention Elon Musk.
“You know, they’re on a new kick,” he said. “All the different hoaxes. The new one is that President Trump handed the presidency over to Elon Musk.”
“No, no, that’s not happening,” he said. “He will not be president.”
Several speakers at the conference criticized government spending and politicians from both parties — but the divisions within the Republican Party that have played out in Congress in recent days have remained mostly muted.
