Trump Threatens to Reclaim Control of the Panama Canal

Incoming U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to take back control of the Panama Canal, which the U.S. controlled until 1999. Trump claims that Panama is charging the U.S. more for using the canal and that China is increasing its influence over the strategic waterway.

Trump made these comments while addressing his supporters in Arizona on Sunday. He also shared an AI-generated image on his social media account, with a caption reading, "Welcome to the United States Canal."

In response, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino issued a recorded message, stating that every inch of land surrounding the Panama Canal belongs to Panama and will remain under Panama's control in the future.

It is important to note that in 1977, a treaty was signed between the U.S. and Panama, granting both countries joint control over the canal. However, on December 31, 1999, the U.S. fully handed over control of the canal to Panama.