Trump’s Call to ‘Take Back’ Panama Canal Sparks Outrage and Renewed Scrutiny of Financial Ties
Donald Trump held a campaign rally at the Lancaster Airport located in Lititz, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Over the weekend, Donald Trump launched a bizarre series of statements about Panama, criticizing the fees for the Panama Canal and suggesting that the U.S. should take it back—an action that would require an invasion.
On Saturday, Trump took to Truth Social to express his frustration. “The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous,” he wrote, calling it a “complete ‘rip-off’ of our country” that “will immediately stop.”
The next day, during a speech at the Turning Point conference in Arizona, Trump escalated his rhetoric. “America is being ripped off by Panama. We’re being ripped off everywhere else,” he told the crowd. When an audience member shouted, “Take it back!” Trump responded enthusiastically: “He just said, ‘Take it back.’ Hey, that’s a good idea.”
While Trump’s remarks seemed aimed at portraying the U.S. as a victim of unfair international practices, The New Republic highlighted a more personal connection that might explain his ire. In 2019, owners of a Trump-branded hotel tower in Panama City accused Trump Organization subsidiaries of failing to pay the required 12.5% taxes to the Panamanian government.
The lawsuit alleges that Trump’s companies kept the funds, “intentionally evading taxes,” leaving the owners liable for millions. A tax audit reportedly uncovered significant inconsistencies, and the case is still pending in New York District Court.
The Panama Canal, built by the United States in the early 1900s, was returned to Panamanian control on December 31, 1999, under the terms of a treaty signed in 1977. Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino firmly rejected Trump’s comments, stating in a video, “As president, I want to express clearly that every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent zone belongs to Panama, and will continue to do so.
The sovereignty and independence of our country are not negotiable.” In response, Trump doubled down, replying, “We’ll see about that.” Trump’s statements have drawn both domestic and international criticism, with many viewing them as an attempt to distract from his legal and financial troubles.
The ongoing tax evasion case tied to the Trump Organization adds another layer of intrigue to his sudden focus on Panama, further complicating his narrative of “America First” grievances. For now, his comments serve as a reminder of his penchant for incendiary rhetoric and the controversies that often follow.
