Trump Threatens to Take Control of Panama Canal

President-elect Donald Trump has asked Panama to lower the fees for using the Panama Canal or return control of it to the US. He said Panama is charging high prices to American ships.

“The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, highly unfair,” Trump told supporters in Arizona on Sunday. “This complete rip-off of our country will immediately stop,” he added, referring to his upcoming term.

Panama’s president answered quickly, saying that the canal belongs to Panama. He also said that Panama’s independence and control over the canal are not up for discussion.

Trump spoke to Turning Point USA, a conservative group that helped him in his 2024 campaign. His words suggest that US foreign policy may change once he takes office on January 20.

The day before, Trump called the Panama Canal an important asset for the US. On Sunday, he warned that if the fees are not lowered, the US will demand the canal back, completely and without any delay.

Vocabulary and Phrases: President-elect (the person who has been elected but hasn’t started their term yet), fees (charges for services or usage), ridiculous (something unreasonable or silly), unfair (not just or equal), rip-off (overpriced or unfairly costly), independence (freedom from outside control), control (the power to direct or influence), foreign policy (a country’s strategy in dealing with other nations), asset (something valuable or useful), demand (to insist on something forcefully), delay (to postpone or make something happen later)

President-elect Donald Trump has demanded Panama lower fees on the Panama Canal or return it to US control, accusing the country of charging “exorbitant prices” to American ships.

Panama’s president responded quickly, stating that “every square metre” of the canal belongs to Panama. President José Raúl Mulino emphasized that Panama’s sovereignty and independence are non-negotiable.

Trump made these remarks to Turning Point USA, a conservative group that supported his 2024 campaign. His comments suggest a possible shift in US foreign policy once he takes office on 20 January.

The day before, Trump called the Panama Canal a “vital national asset” for the US. On Sunday, he warned that if shipping fees are not reduced, “we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us, in full, quickly and without question.”

Vocabulary and Phrases: President-elect (the person who has been elected but hasn’t started their term yet), fees (charges for services or usage), exorbitant (unreasonably high or excessive), rip-off (overpriced or unfairly costly), sovereignty (a country’s right to self-rule), independence (freedom from outside control), foreign policy (a country’s strategy in dealing with other nations), vital (extremely important), national asset (a valuable resource for a country), demand (to insist on something forcefully)