Mulvaney says Trump's Panama Canal comments are negotiation tactics

Mick Mulvaney, former White House chief of staff, stated that President-elect Trump’s comments about potentially retaking the Panama Canal are a negotiation tactic aimed at lowering fees. Mulvaney noted that Trump’s threats carry weight in negotiations. At a recent event, Trump claimed the U.S. might demand the canal's return due to unfair fees charged by Panama. He emphasized that the canal was given to Panama under certain conditions that he believes are not being met. In response, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino asserted that the canal is sovereign territory of Panama and will remain so. He rejected any notion of negotiation over its control.