In a statement to X, Mulino posted, saying, translated to English, "In the name of the Republic of Panama and its people, I categorically reject the words outlined by President Donald Trump regarding Panama and its Canal in his inaugural speech."
During his inaugural address, Trump told Americans, "We have been treated very badly from this foolish gift that should have never been made, and Panama's promise to us has been broken. The purpose of our deal and the spirit of our treaty has been totally violated. American ships are being severely overcharged and not treated fairly in any way, shape or form, and that includes the United States Navy, and above all, China is operating the Panama Canal. And we didn't give it to China. We gave it to Panama, and we're taking it back."
Mulino did not think so highly of what Trump said, and added in his statement, "The Canal is and will continue to be from Panama and under Panamanian administration. There is no way that it will be transferred to a neutral administration."
The Panamanian government has previously declared that China is not in control of the canal with Mulino saying, "China does not control or administer the canal. When it comes to our canal, and our sovereignty, we will all unite under our Panamanian flag,” per Newsweek.
However, despite this, the government in Panama is now auditing a Chinese company that controls two ports near the canal. The Panama Ports Company is a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based Hutchinson Port Holdings, according to Bloomberg.
"Dialogue is always the way to clarify the mentioned points without diminishing our right, sovereignty, total and ownership of our Canal," Mulino concluded in his statement to Trump about the canal.
