Trump calls for Panama to return control of the canal to the U.S

Donald Trump has called for Panama to return control of the Panama Canal to the United States. He criticized Panama for charging high fees and expressed concerns about potential Chinese influence over the canal. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that the U.S. had been generous to Panama and that the canal's handover was not a gift. He warned that if Panama does not manage the canal properly, he would demand its return. The U.S. transferred full control of the canal to Panama in 1999 after decades of administration. Trump's comments mark a significant shift in U.S. diplomatic rhetoric regarding the canal.