Trump criticizes Panama Canal fees and threatens to reclaim control

Donald Trump, the president-elect, criticized the fees charged by Panama for using the Panama Canal, calling them "ridiculous" and a "rip-off." He threatened to reclaim control of the canal if these rates are not reduced. The U.S. is the largest user of the canal, accounting for 72.5% of its traffic. Control of the canal was transferred to Panama in 1999 under a treaty signed by President Jimmy Carter. Trump also expressed concern over China's influence in the region, noting that China is the second-largest user of the canal. However, there are no indications that China seeks to purchase the canal.