Trump vs. Panama: President Mulino Responds to US Threats Over Canal Control

Jose Raul Mulino the President of Panama strongly rejected U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s comments about taking back control of the Panama Canal. In a recent stage show Trump had criticized Panama’s canal management and he raised concerns about its treatment of U.S. ships and the growing influence of China in the region.

In a video posted on X, President Mulino stated, “Every square meter of the Panama Canal and its surrounding areas belongs to Panama and will remain so.”

In his statement, he didn’t talked about the Trump directly but this tweet came after Trump’s claims on Truth Social about “unfair” fees for American ships and concerns over the canal’s security.

Trump declared, “The fees Panama is charging are ridiculous. If Panama cannot ensure secure and reliable operation of the canal, we will demand its return to the U.S.” He also expressed fears over China’s involvement, stating, “We would and will NEVER let it fall into the wrong hands!”

The Panama Canal was built by the U.S. in 1914. It was handed back to Panama in 1999 under a treaty signed by former President Jimmy Carter. Since then Panama has maintained full control over the Canal.

So, Mulino rejected Trump’s accusations by saying “The canal is not controlled by China, the U.S., the European Union, or any other power”.

After the statement by President of Pana Trump responded on Truth Social with a cryptic comment: “We’ll see about that!”

This exchange of rage between President-to-be Trump and President Mulino has raised tensions in the region. It will impact the geopolitics of the region.