Trump intends to demand the return of the Panama Canal to the U.S.

TheUnited States will demand the rapid return of the Panama Canal to the ownership of the state. This was announced on December 22 by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump during a speech at the Turning Point USA conference, broadcast on YouTube channel The Sun.

Our Navy and commerce are being treated very unfairly. We will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States in full, quickly and without repercussions," Trump said.

He also noted that the isthmus is essential for U.S. trade and naval deployment.

"The Panama Canal is considered a vital U.S. national asset due to its critical role for the U.S. economy," Trump said.

He clarified that the U.S. is giving too high a toll on the Panama Canal and it is a "disgrace" to the nation. According to the president-elect, the excessive fee is unfair because the US provides over 72% of the passage through the canal.

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Earlier in the day, Trump announced that the US will demand to regain control of the Panama Canal if the terms of its use are not revised. According to him, the Panama Canal is a critical US national asset.

Panama Canal neutrality was established in 1977 when treaties were signed between US President Jimmy Carter and Isthmus leader Omar Torrijos. The document guarantees safe and open passage for all ships in both peacetime and wartime.