Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum voiced her support for the government of Panama on Monday, following U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s remarks about potentially reasserting U.S. control over the Panama Canal. “The Panama Canal rightfully belongs to the Panamanians,” Sheinbaum stated during her regular morning press briefing.
Her remarks came a day after Trump criticized Panama for allegedly imposing high fees for the use of the canal while addressing supporters in Arizona. Following the rally, he shared an image on Truth Social depicting an American flag over a narrow waterway, captioned: “Welcome to the United States Canal!”
Trump’s statements marked an unusual instance of a U.S. leader suggesting that he could compel a sovereign nation to relinquish territory. In response, Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino promptly condemned Trump’s remarks. “Every square meter of the Panama Canal and its surrounding areas belongs to Panama and will continue to belong to Panama,” Mulino asserted in a statement on X.
Discover more from Defence Talks | Defense News Hub, Military Updates, Security Insights
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
