Panama president rejects Trump's threat over canal control and affirms sovereignty

Panama's President José Raúl Mulino has rejected Donald Trump's threat to take control of the Panama Canal. Mulino stated that the canal and its surrounding areas belong to Panama, emphasizing that the country's sovereignty is not negotiable. Trump's comments, made during a recent event, claimed the U.S. is being "ripped off" by high fees for using the canal. He suggested that if these fees continue, the U.S. would demand the canal's return. In response, Mulino explained that canal fees are set based on market conditions and operational costs. He reaffirmed that all Panamanians unite in support of their sovereignty over the canal.