Trump criticizes Panama Canal fees and threatens to reclaim control

Donald Trump criticized the current U.S.-Panama Canal arrangement, calling it a "rip-off" and threatening to reclaim control of the canal if Panama does not lower its passage fees. He stated that the U.S. Navy and commerce are being treated unfairly. 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, which Trump described as a mistake. Trump also expressed concern over China's increasing influence in the region, noting that China is the second-largest user of the canal. He did not suggest any plans for immediate action but emphasized the need for a reassessment of the U.S.-Panama relationship.