President-elect Donald Trump recently raised concerns about the Panama Canal, suggesting the U.S. may seek to reclaim it due to high toll fees.

Trump labeled the high fees unfair to the U.S. and hinted at a possible demand for the canal's return to U.S. control, as Fox Business reports.

The president-elect's post highlighted the canal's critical importance to America's economy and national security, stressing that the waterway drastically cuts shipping times for U.S. ports.

He pointed out that the tolls can reach up to $500,000 for the largest vessels, a cost he deemed unjust for the services rendered.

Trump also criticized former President Jimmy Carter for the 1977 Panama Canal Treaty that ended the U.S. administration of the canal by 1999. Trump argued that the Neutrality Treaty, which mandates equal tolls for all nations, unfairly disadvantages the U.S.

Trump Calls Panama Canal Tolls "Complete Rip-Off"

In his social media post, Trump did not mince words, describing the tolls as a "complete rip-off."

He suggested that the U.S. might need to take action if the situation does not improve, including potentially reclaiming the canal to ensure more favorable treatment for American ships.

"The Panama Canal is considered a vital national asset for the United States, due to its critical role to America’s economy and national security," Trump wrote, emphasizing the strategic significance of the canal.

"A secure Panama Canal is crucial for U.S. commerce, and rapid deployment of the Navy, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and drastically cuts shipping times to U.S. ports," he further stated, underlining the operational and economic benefits of the canal.

Historical Costs, Deaths Associated with Canal Construction

Trump also referenced the historical cost of building the canal, including an incorrect figure of 38,000 American deaths.

The accurate number of American fatalities during the canal's construction is approximately 5,600, significantly lower than Trump’s claim. The actual labor death toll during the earlier French construction attempt in the 1880s was about 22,000.

The Department of Government Efficiency recently stated that the Panama Canal had cost U.S. taxpayers $15.7 billion, highlighting the substantial financial investment made by the U.S. in the project.

Trump's statements reflect his view of the canal's importance, not just as a strategic asset but as a symbol of American investment and sacrifice.

Trump Threatens Action

"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 declared, expressing his frustration over the current toll practices.

"[The Panama Canal] was not given for the benefit of others, but merely as a token of cooperation with us and Panama," Trump explained, suggesting that the U.S. had expected different treatment in terms of the canal's management and toll-setting.

"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 threatened, signaling potential diplomatic tensions if the issue is not resolved.

Urgent Call for Reconsideration of Tolls

Trump concluded his post with a direct message to Panamanian officials, urging them to consider his concerns seriously. "To the officials of Panama, please be guided accordingly!" he warned, indicating that the U.S. is prepared to take significant actions if necessary to protect its interests in the Panama Canal.

As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely to see how Panama responds to Trump's assertions and what steps the incoming U.S. administration might take in pursuit of what it considers a fairer arrangement for the use of this pivotal maritime route.