Trump Threatens U.S. Control Over Panama Canal

President-elect Donald Trump has controversially threatened to reclaim U.S. control over the Panama Canal, accusing Panama of charging excessive fees that he claims unfairly burden the U.S. economy and military. During a rally in Arizona, he expressed concerns about potential Chinese influence over the canal, despite no evidence of such control existing. Trump's comments have drawn strong backlash from Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, who emphasized Panama's independence and rejected any notion of negotiating control of the canal. The canal, which was transferred to Panama in 1999, is critical for U.S. commerce, with over 70% of its traffic linked to U.S. ports. This rhetoric marks a significant diplomatic shift, as U.S. leaders rarely threaten to reclaim sovereign territories, and it raises questions about the future of U.S.-Panamanian relations and international agreements. The incident has sparked debate over Trump's approach to foreign policy and its implications for global trade.