Incoming U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to demand the return of the Panama Canal to U.S. control, accusing Panama of exploiting American maritime traffic.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump's critique centers on what he describes as "exorbitant prices" charged to U.S. vessels for using the canal, which serves as a critical shortcut between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Without the canal, ships would need to navigate the much longer and more perilous route around South America's Cape Horn.

The statement revisits the 1977 treaty under President Jimmy Carter, which handed over control of the canal from the United States to Panama. Trump labeled Carter's decision to transfer the canal for "one dollar" as foolish, arguing that it has led to "unfair and injudicious" treatment of U.S. naval and commercial interests.

“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,” Trump declared.

The canal's toll fees vary significantly, from as low as $0.50 to as high as $300,000, based on the size of the vessel. The motivation behind Trump's comments remains unclear, but they come at a time when the canal has faced operational challenges. Earlier this year, a drought led to a 36% reduction in ship transits, a move that has had ripple effects on global trade.

The United States is the largest user of the Panama Canal, with China and Japan following in usage. This latest statement from Trump reignites debate over U.S. interests in international waters and infrastructure, highlighting ongoing tensions regarding global trade and national security. (ILKHA)