Trump hints at demanding Panama return control of the canal

President-elect Donald Trump has suggested that he may demand Panama return control of the Panama Canal. He criticized Panama for charging high fees and expressed concerns about potential Chinese influence over the canal's management. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that if Panama does not manage the canal properly, he would seek its return to the U.S. He emphasized that the canal was a gift from the U.S. to Panama, meant to foster cooperation. The U.S. transferred full control of the canal to Panama in 1999 after years of joint administration. The Panamanian embassy in Washington has not yet responded to Trump's comments.