Lawmaker disputes Trump's claims on Panama Canal and warns against bullying smaller nations

A Massachusetts lawmaker, Rep. Jake Auchincloss, stated he has seen no evidence supporting Donald Trump's claims that China is controlling the Panama Canal. Auchincloss described Trump's focus on the canal as making the U.S. appear "petulant." Trump has criticized fees charged by Panama and threatened to demand the canal's return to the U.S. He also claimed Chinese military personnel oversee the canal, a statement denied by Panama's president. Auchincloss argued that the U.S. should not bully smaller nations like Panama and questioned the logic behind Trump's proposed tariffs, which could raise costs for American consumers more than the canal fees.