Trump suggests reclaiming control of Panama Canal, Panama's president responds
Donald Trump has suggested that his new 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 shippers as excessive. Panama's President José Raúl Mulino rejected Trump's comments, asserting that the canal belongs to Panama and that fees are based on operational costs and demand. He emphasized the importance of the canal to Panama's economy. Trump's remarks came during a rally in Arizona, where he also discussed his plans for a strong economy and unity within the Republican Party. He did not address recent congressional budget issues during his speech.