US President Donald Trump on Wednesday renewed his criticism of the decision to transfer the Panama Canal to Panama, calling it a “stupid” move and claiming China is attempting to expand its influence over the strategic trade route.
Speaking at the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota, Trump argued that the United States made a costly mistake by giving up control of the canal under the 1977 Torrijos-Carter Treaties.
Trump attacks Panama Canal transfer
During his remarks, Trump claimed Panama significantly increased transit charges after taking control of the canal while continuing to attract shipping traffic.
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“The Panama Canal, so we gave it away. The first thing they did, you know what they did? They raised the prices for the ships by four times, and they didn’t lose one ship. And then they raised it again twice, and they didn’t lose one ship. All they did was make tremendous amounts of money for years and years. How stupid was that?” Trump said.
He also alleged that China is trying to gain control over the canal, saying the US would not allow that to happen.
“And now China’s trying to take over the Panama Canal, and we’re not going to let that happen, okay? And that was not part of the script because I don’t really have a script because this thing doesn’t work,” he added.
The Panama Canal was transferred to Panama under the 1977 Torrijos-Carter Treaties. Panama assumed full control of the waterway in 1999.
Renews criticism of birthright citizenship
Trump also spoke about birthright citizenship, saying he believes the US Supreme Court reached the wrong conclusion on the issue, though he expressed confidence it would eventually be addressed.
“We’ll take care of the birthright citizenship because that was not meant for rich people from other countries. It was meant for the babies of slaves. If you look at it, it was a month after the Civil War ended that it went through. That’s because it was meant for the babies of slaves. It wasn’t meant for rich people from China. They came over in Gulfstreams,” Trump said.
He added, “I believe, no, I know they got it wrong, but that’s okay.”
Trump praises Supreme Court ruling on presidential powers
The President also welcomed a recent Supreme Court decision that expanded presidential authority to remove leaders of executive branch agencies, describing it as one of the most significant rulings in decades.
The President also welcomed a recent Supreme Court decision that expanded presidential authority to remove leaders of executive branch agencies, describing it as one of the most significant rulings in decades.
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Referring to the ruling, he added, “It was taken away from another Roosevelt. It was taken away from FDR in 1932. For almost a hundred years, that’s been up for grabs. It was called the Slaughter case, and a lot of people didn’t think it would ever be won. We won it two days ago in the Supreme Court.”
“It gives power back to the president at a time when the president really needs power. It was the most important decision of all of them, I think.”
FAQs:
Does China control the Panama Canal?
No, the Panama Canal is controlled by Panama, though Trump alleged China is trying to expand its influence over the strategic waterway.
Why did Donald Trump call the Panama Canal handover a ‘stupid mistake’?
Trump said the US should never have transferred the Panama Canal to Panama, claiming transit fees increased and alleging China is seeking influence.
