Trump proposes reclaiming Panama Canal over usage fees he calls unfair

Donald Trump, the President-elect, stated he may seek to reclaim the Panama Canal due to what he described as unfair usage fees. He criticized these fees as a "ripoff" during a speech in Phoenix, Arizona. Trump emphasized the canal's importance to U.S. commerce and national security, claiming that Panama has not treated the U.S. fairly since the canal was handed over in 1999. He suggested that if the terms of the original agreement are not honored, the U.S. would demand the canal's return. Panamanian officials responded, asserting that the canal is sovereign territory and not an asset of the United States. A Panamanian lawmaker called Trump's remarks "regrettable" and vowed to defend the country's rights.