Your support helps us tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to big tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the finances of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word,’ which shines a light on American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know the importance of analyzing the facts of messaging. .
At such a critical moment in American history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to continue sending journalists to tell both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to block Americans from our reporting and analysis with a paywall. We believe that quality journalism should be available to everyone, and paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes a difference.
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino hit back on Sunday after President-elect Donald Trump twice threatened to take control of the Panama Canal.
“As president, I want to make it clear that every square meter of the Panama Canal and its contiguous zone belongs to Panama, and will continue to do so,” Mulino said sharply. video statement. “The sovereignty and independence of our country cannot be negotiated.”
He added: “The channel is not under the direct or indirect control of China, the European Community, the United States, or any other power. As a Panamanian, I strongly reject any manifestation that distorts this reality.”
Panama “respects other nations and demands respect,” he insisted.
On Sunday, Trump emphasized again in an address before the conservative Turning Point USA “Americafest” in Phoenix that he ready to reclaim the Panama Canal because he is angry about it “excessive” usage fees.
He also said in an afternoon post on Truth Social that American “control and ownership” of Greenland from Denmark is an “absolute necessity” for world “security” and “freedom.” He made a stunning call when he announced that PayPal co-founder Ken Hoswery would be his choice for US ambassador to Denmark.
Trump made the threat about the Panama Canal for the first time in two times Truth Social postst Saturday, calling the channel a “vital” American “asset.”
He added: “Our navy and commerce have been treated in a very unfair and unjust manner. The fees charged by Panama are ridiculous, especially considering the extraordinary generosity the US has bestowed upon Panama.”
“Has anybody ever heard of the Panama Canal?” Trump asked the crowd at Turning Point on Sunday. “Because we’re ripped off in the Panama Canal like we’re ripped off everywhere else.”
He promised “swift action” on the matter in his comments.
“It was given to Panama and the people of Panama, but it has provisions. You have to treat us fairly, and they didn’t treat us fairly,” Trump insisted.
“If the principles, both moral and legal, of this magnificent gesture of giving are not respected, then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States of America in full, quickly and without question,” Trump added.
One audience member yelled, “Put it back!” Trump replied, “That’s a good idea.”
Panama charges fees for boats and ships to use the channel that connects the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. They can range from $0.50 to $300,000. The US handed over control of the canal to Panama in 1999. The US is by far the largest user of the canal.
The United States built the canal in the early 1900s to improve the travel of American commercial and military ships between its coasts without having to go around South America. Washington surrendered control of the waterway Panama 1999 under an agreement signed in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter. Trump called the agreement “foolish” on Sunday.
Molino defended the fees saying they are necessary and are determined after open discussions taking into account market conditions, international competition, operating costs and maintenance and modernization.
“We are a country open to dialogue, today and always, for investments and good relations, but with a clear motto that the country comes first,” he emphasized.
“That is non-negotiable for this Panamanian president.”