Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum extended her support to the government of Panama on Monday, in response to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s recent threat to reclaim U.S. control over the Panama Canal.
During her regular morning press conference, Sheinbaum emphasized that the Panama Canal is owned by the Panamanians.
In response to Trump’s accusation that Panama charges excessive rates for using the Central American passage, Sheinbaum made a statement. Sheinbaum’s comments came shortly after Trump addressed a crowd of supporters in Arizona. Following the event, Trump shared an image on Truth Social featuring an American flag flying over a narrow body of water, accompanied by the caption: “Welcome to the United States Canal!”
In an unusual move, President Trump expressed his belief that he had the power to compel a sovereign nation to relinquish its territory.
Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino wasted no time condemning Trump’s remarks.
According to a statement released on X, Mulino emphasized that Panama has full ownership of every square meter of the Panama Canal and its surrounding area, and this ownership will remain with Panama.
