Colombian President Gustavo Petro has vociferously criticized former U.
S. President Donald Trump's suggestion to reclaim the Panama Canal.
Petro, a one-time Marxist guerilla and an outspoken advocate of President Joe Biden, warned that Trump's proposal could lead to a significant surge in illegal immigration.
In a post on the X platform, Petro cautioned that the number of illegal migrants heading towards the southern border could increase by "millions" if Trump fails to acknowledge Panama's sovereignty over the canal. He stated, "Until the last consequences I will be on the side of Panama and the defense of its sovereignty. If the new US government wants to talk business, we will talk business, face to face, and for the benefit of our people, but dignity will never be negotiated."
Petro further argued that Trump's stance contradicts his own immigration policy. He wrote, "President Trump has made a mistake and contradicted himself. If he does not want myriads crossing the Darien, increased by millions from Panama to Mexico, he must understand that it will depend on the prosperity and freedom of our peoples."
According to Gateway Pundit, the Panama Canal, a significant conduit for international maritime trade, was built by the U.S. in 1914. It remained under American control until 1999 when former President Jimmy Carter agreed to transfer its ownership to Panama. However, Trump has recently argued that Panama is now imposing excessive fees on America and allowing China to extend its influence over the canal's operations.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, "When President Jimmy Carter foolishly gave it away, for One Dollar, during his term in Office, it was solely for Panama to manage, not China, or anyone else. It was likewise not given for Panama to charge the United States, its Navy, and corporations, doing business within our Country, exorbitant prices and rates of passage."
Trump further claimed that the U.S. Navy and commerce have been treated unjustly, and the fees charged by Panama are exorbitant. He stated, "Our Navy and Commerce have been treated in a very unfair and injudicious way. 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."
In response, Panamanian President Jos Ral Mulino asserted in a social media video that "every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent area belongs to Panama and will continue to belong to Panama" and that the terms of the previous deal are irreversible."
Trump's retort to this was a terse, "We'll see about that!" This exchange underscores the ongoing tension and the potential for future conflict over the control and management of the Panama Canal, a critical artery of global trade.
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