Former President Donald Trump told reporters on Sunday that the United States will take back the Panama Canal or take strong action.
After stepping off Air Force One at Joint Andrews Airbase, Trump said he is determined to regain control of the canal. He claimed that China is managing the canal and using it against the U.S.
Over the weekend, Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Panama and warned its leaders to reduce China’s influence over the canal or risk consequences from the U.S. Later, Trump told reporters that if the U.S. is not given control, “something very powerful” will happen.
In the past, Trump has suggested that the U.S. might use economic or military pressure to make Panama return control of the canal.
“Secretary of State Rubio is in Panama right now. We are discussing the Panama Canal. What has happened is unacceptable. They broke the agreement, and that is not allowed. China is controlling the canal, even though it was originally given to Panama. That was a mistake. But they broke the agreement, and we will take it back or take strong action,” Trump said.
