Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino has reaffirmed the nation’s sovereignty over the Panama Canal, stating on social media platform X on Monday that the waterway “is and will continue to be Panamanian.”
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-Summer-IDRI-Masterclass.jpg")
President Mulino’s comments come in response to remarks made by newly inaugurated US President Donald Trump, who, during his inauguration speech, criticized Panama’s management of the canal and suggested the US might “take it back.”
In his speech, President Trump raised concerns about tolls charged to US-flagged ships transiting the canal, describing them as unfair and excessive. He also accused China of having undue influence over the canal’s operations.
“American ships are being severely overcharged and not treated fairly in any way, shape, or form, and that includes the United States Navy,” Trump said. “And above all, China is operating the Panama Canal, and we didn’t give it to China. We gave it to Panama. And we’re taking it back.”
The remarks have sparked speculation about whether President Trump’s comments signal a potential military threat to Panama or are part of a strategy to negotiate more favorable canal tolls for American vessels.
Panama assumed full control of the canal on December 31, 1999, following the terms of the 1977 Torrijos-Carter Treaties between the US and Panama. Since then, the canal has been managed by the Panama Canal Authority, an autonomous Panamanian agency.
The Panama Canal remains a critical link in global trade, and any tensions over its management or tolls could have far-reaching economic and geopolitical implications.
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