‘Not Negotiable!’ Panama President Responds to Trump Threat to Seize Panama Canal: ‘Every Square Meter’ Is Ours

José Raúl Mulino, the President of Panama, responded on Sunday after President-elect Donald Trump said twice over the weekend he was considering taking back the Panama Canal from the Panamanian government.

Trump threatened twice over the weekend to take the canal back, citing fees he said were being charged to the US by Panama’s government. Trump said American construction workers already paid the cost when building the canal when thousands died from 1904 to 1914.

Mulino was clear in an address delivered in Spanish that did not mention Trump that the waterway system and its surrounding area were sovereign and would not be handed over.

On his X, formerly Twitter account, Mulino said, “As President, I want to express precisely that every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent zone is Panama’s and will continue to be so. The sovereignty and independence of our country are not negotiable.” Per a translation of Mulino’s remarks, he continued:

Every Panamanian, here or anywhere in the world, carries it in their hearts and it is part of our history of struggle and an irreversible conquest. The Torrijos-Carter treaties of 1977 agreed to the dissolution of the former canal zone, recognizing Panamanian sovereignty and the complete transfer of the canal to Panama, which ended on December 31, 1999. And soon we will celebrate the 25 years of this transfer. Since then there have been no objections or claims. On the contrary, it has been a source of strong international support and national pride. It was operated and expanded by Panamanian decision and today represents a great asset that contributes billions of dollars to our economy annually. These treaties also established the permanent neutrality of the canal, guaranteeing its open and safe operation for all nations. Treaty that has obtained the adhesion of more than 40 states. Any contrary position lacks validity or support. Before the face of the Earth. Our canal has the mission of serving humanity and its commerce. That is one of the great values ​​that we Panamanians offer to the world.

Mulino added his country had remained neutral in international conflicts and would remain so. He also stated since the US gave control of the canal to Panama it had “grown.”

As to new costs to use the canal Trump complained of, Mulino said a decision to enact them was not made without thoughtful consideration.

“They are established publicly and in an open hearing, considering market conditions, international competition, operating costs, and the maintenance and modernization needs of the interoceanic route,” he said. “That is how we achieved the expansion of the canal in 2016, which today represents greater economic and commercial growth, generating more wealth and opportunities throughout the world and its commerce. The canal has no direct or indirect control, neither from China, nor from the European Community, nor from the United States or from any other power.”

Trump stated Saturday he was concerned the canal could fall into Chinese hands or under the control of another geopolitical foe.

Mulino said on Sunday his country “respects other nations and demands respect from the new United States government.” He concluded:

I aspire to preserve and maintain a good and respectful relationship. Security issues such as illegal migration, drug trafficking, terrorism, and organized crime must be a priority on our bilateral agenda since they are a real threat that should concern us greatly. We Panamanians can think differently in many aspects, but when it comes to our canal and our sovereignty, we all unite under a single flag – that of Panama. We are a country open to dialogue, today and always, to investments and good relations, but with the clear motto that the Homeland comes first. For this Panamanian president, that is not a business.

On his Truth Social account Saturday night, Trump threatened to take back control of the canal over new fees to use it. The US built the complex lock and dam system more than a century ago. Trump complained Panama was ripping off the US.

In Phoenix on Sunday, Trump issued a similar threat while addressing a Turning Point USA conference.

Watch above in Spanish via José Raúl Mulino.

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