'We will demand that the Panama Canal be returned': Trump issues threat to local officials

"We will demand that the Panama Canal be returned," Donald Trump declared over the weekend.

Trump on Saturday took to his own social media site, Truth Social, to issue a threat to local Panama officials about the famous Panama Canal.

"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. 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," Trump wrote, adding that "Teddy Roosevelt was President of the United States at the time of its building, and understood the strength of Naval Power and Trade."

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"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 added. "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 a separate post, Trump said the U.S. "has a vested interest in the secure, efficient, and reliable operation of the Panama Canal, and that was always understood."

"We would and will NEVER let it fall into the wrong hands! It was not given for the benefit of others, but merely as a token of cooperation with us and Panama," Trump then added. "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. To the Officials of Panama, please be guided accordingly!"