FACT CHECK: Did Panama Increase Fees On U.S. Warships In The Canal?

A post shared on social media purports that Panama has doubled the fees for U.S. Warships in the Panama Canal.

Verdict: False

The claim originated on a satirical social media account.

Fact Check:

The Panama Canal has now been in possession of Panama for 25 years after the late former President Jimmy Carter handed it over in 1999, according to AP News. However, President-elect Donald Trump has expressed interest in taking it back if its fees are not reduced, the outlet reported.

A post shared on Threads stated that Panama is now raising fees on U.S. ships. The post received more than 1,000 reposts.

“BREAKING: Panama Doubles Fees For U.S. Warships Transiting Canal,” the post reads. “‘In our country, we have an “a-hole tax” that kicks in automatically whenever anyone with orange skin threatens us,’ said President José Raúl Mulino Quintero. ‘When they sincerely apologize, the rate goes back to normal.’”

The claim is inaccurate. The claim originated on a satirical social media account.

The account’s bio self-identifies as partly parody, “A parody account for the GOP’s interpretation of Jesus’s will and teachings. Half parody, half commentary, half theories.”

Furthermore, the official list of tariffs does not include a charge for specific countries, only inspections by continents.

President-elect Donald Trump did suggest that the United States should reclaim the Panama Canal.

He wrote in part, “….The United States 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!” (RELATED: Video Showing Trump Name Being Taken Off Hotel In Panama Is From 2018)

This is not the first time misinformation has circulated online. Check Your Fact recently debunked a claim Canada banned Trump from entering the country.