Donald Trumpelected president of USArated the Panama Canal as a “vital national asset” and criticized the tariffs imposed by Panama considering them a “scam” that, as he declared, “will stop immediately.”
These statements, spread through his social network Truth Social, also included threats to demand the return of the Canal if certain “moral and legal principles” are not met established by the United States in the initial agreement.
According to Trump“the rates charged Panama They are ridiculous, especially knowing the extraordinary generosity that has been granted to Panama by the US. This complete ‘scam’ on our country will stop immediately”.
In his opinion, the Canal was not transferred to benefit third parties, but as an act of bilateral cooperation, and noted that any deviation from these conditions would be grounds for demanding the recovery of control of the Canal.
The Republican leader also linked the importance of the Panama Canal to American security and economy: “It is crucial for the trade of USA and the rapid deployment of Armadafrom the Atlantic to the Pacific, and dramatically reduces shipping times to US ports.”
Besides, Trump highlighted that USA is the main user of Canalrepresenting more than 70% of transits heading to or departing from North American ports.
Trump made historical reference to the role of Theodore Roosevelt in the construction of Canal and harshly criticized the former president Jimmy Carter for the transfer of the administration to Panama.
”When the president Jimmy Carter he foolishly gave it away, for a dollar, during his term, it was only Panama who administered it, nor China nor anyone else,” he said.
He also recalled that The construction of the Canal represented an enormous human and financial cost for the United Statesstating that “38,000 American men died from infected mosquitoes in the jungles during construction.”
In parallel, through a statement, the American magnate announced that he will appoint the British Mark Burnettproducer of the television game shows ‘The Apprentice’ and ‘The Voice’, as US special envoy to the UK.
“With a distinguished career in television production and business, Mark brings a unique combination of diplomatic acumen and international recognition to this important role.”Trump declared.
The Republican, who will assume power on January 20, He noted that Burnett produced “some of the most important programs in the history of television.”such as ‘Survivor’, ‘Shark Tank’, ‘The Voice’ and “The Apprentice”, which was hosted by Trump himself for 14 seasons between 2004 and 2015.
Burnett, 64, who lives in California, has won 13 Emmy Awards and chaired Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Television (MGM). Unlike the ambassadorship, Presidential special envoy positions do not require Senate confirmation.
(With information from Europa Press and EFE)
