Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino has rejected recent threats from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump regarding the Panama Canal. In a video posted on the social media platform X, Mulino made it clear that the canal remains solely under Panamanian control and not under the direct or indirect influence of China, the European Union, the United States, or any other power.
Mulino’s statement comes in response to comments made by Trump on Saturday through his Truth Social platform. Trump criticised Panama’s toll rates, calling them “ridiculous,” and described the situation as a “complete scam” against the U.S.
Trump further raised concerns about China’s growing influence in the canal, emphasising its critical role in American trade between the Atlantic and Pacific.
The president-elect went so far as to threaten action if Panama could not ensure the canal’s “safe, efficient, and reliable operation.
In response, Mulino demanded respect for Panama’s sovereignty, adding that every square meter of the Panama Canal and its surrounding areas belongs to Panama and will remain so. “Our sovereignty and independence are non-negotiable,” he said.
Trump’s reaction to Mulino’s remarks was swift. On Truth Social, he wrote, “We’ll see!” and posted a photo captioned, “Welcome to the US Channel!”
Despite the heated rhetoric, Mulino expressed hope for a cooperative relationship with the incoming U.S. administration, focusing on mutual concerns like illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
The Panama Canal, completed by the U.S. in 1914, was officially returned to Panama on December 31, 1999, under a 1977 treaty brokered by President Jimmy Carter.
Former Panamanian President Martín Torrijos (2004–2009) also weighed in, calling any effort to reclaim control of the canal an “offense.” In an Instagram post, Torrijos reinforced Panama’s stance, stating, “Any attempt to take the canal from Panama is unacceptable and deeply disrespectful.”
