Trump hints at reclaiming control of Panama Canal in new administration

Donald Trump has suggested that his upcoming administration may seek to regain control of the Panama Canal, which the U.S. handed over to Panama in 1999. He criticized current fees for using the canal as "ridiculous." During a rally in Phoenix, Trump claimed that the U.S. was being "ripped off" and indicated that he would stop this situation. He did not provide details on how the U.S. could reclaim the canal. The canal has faced operational challenges due to droughts, leading to increased fees for shippers. While transit has normalized recently, further price hikes are anticipated for next year.