Trump threatens to reclaim control of Panama Canal over shipping fees

President-elect Donald Trump criticized fees for U.S. ships using the Panama Canal, calling them unfair. He threatened to demand the canal's control be returned to the U.S. if Panama cannot manage it effectively. Trump highlighted concerns about China's influence in the region, stating that the canal should be managed solely by Panama. He emphasized that the U.S. would not allow it to fall into "the wrong hands." The Panama Canal, returned to Panama in 1999, is crucial for global trade, with 5% of maritime traffic passing through it. The canal generated nearly $5 billion in revenue last fiscal year.