Trump Threatens to Take Back Control of Panama Canal

A cargo ship and tugboat sail through the Cocoli Locks at the Panama Canal, in Panama on August 12, 2024. ARNULFO FRANCO / AFP

Incoming U.S. president Donald Trump on Saturday slammed what he called unfair fees for U.S. ships passing through the Panama Canal and threatened to demand control of the waterway be returned to Washington.

He also hinted at China’s growing influence around the canal, a worrying trend for American interests as U.S. businesses depend on the channel to move goods between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

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