Trump wants it back: why is the Panama Canal important to the US?

The Panama Canal is considered a vital national asset for the US due to its crucial role in the economy and national security. It was given to Panama for administration, not to other countries, and certainly not to impose exorbitant tariffs on the US, its Navy and its companies.
Trump, on the importance of the waterway and China’s influence.

Fees, operations and China: what does Trump say?

“The fees charged by Panama are ridiculous, especially knowing the extraordinary generosity that has been extended to Panama by the US,” Trump wrote in one of his posts.

If Panama cannot guarantee the “safe, efficient and reliable operation” of the canal, “then we will demand that they return the Panama Canal to us in its entirety and without room for doubt,” he added.

“It was solely for Panama to administer it, not China or anyone else,” Trump said, sounding a warning. “We would never allow it, nor will we allow it to fall into the wrong hands! This complete fraud against our country will cease immediately”, added the Republican.

Panama demands ‘respect’

“The channel has no direct or indirect control from China, the European Community, the United States or any power. As a Panamanian, I energetically repudiate any demonstration that distorts this reality”, Mulino reacted in a video on his X account, without mentioning Trump directly.