Donald Trump has taunted Panama with a social media post saying: "welcome to the United States Canal."
The President-elect posted the message on Truth Social on Sunday, along with a photo of an American flag hanging from the mast of a ship appearing to travel through the Panama Canal.
It comes after Trump said on Sunday that the U.S. could demand the return of the canal if the Central American country fails to reduce the fees it charges American ships.
"The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, especially knowing the extraordinary generosity that has been bestowed to Panama by the U.S. This complete 'rip-off' of our Country will immediately stop," Trump wrote.
"The United States has a vested interest in the secure, efficient, and reliable operation of the Panama Canal, and that was always understood. We would and will NEVER let it fall into the wrong hands! It was not given for the benefit of others, but merely as a token of cooperation with us and Panama.
"If the principles, both moral and legal, of this magnanimous gesture of giving are not followed, then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us, in full, and without question. To the Officials of Panama, please be guided accordingly!"
Panama's president José Raúl Mulino responded to Trump's message, saying in a video posted on X, formerly Twitter: "Every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent areas belong to Panama and will continue belonging to Panama."
Trump subsequently responded on Truth Social, writing: "We'll see about that."
Around 14,000 ships pass through the Panama Canal each year, according to figures compiled by Statista. The narrow route, first opened by the U.S. in 1914, allows cargo vessels to travel between the American continents rather than having to circumnavigate them, reducing transit times.
Control of the canal was transferred from the U.S. to the Central American country in 1999 as a result of a 1979 treaty under President Jimmy Carter, which Trump said was "foolish."
This is a breaking story. More to follow.
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Jordan King
Jordan King is a Newsweek reporter based in London, U.K. Her focus is on human interest-stories in Africa and the ...
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