**Trump's Bold Demands: The Panama Canal in His Crosshairs**

In a recent speech, Trump ignited controversy by demanding Panama reduce canal fees, hinting at reclaiming control.

Former President Donald Trump made headlines during his speech at Turning Point USA's annual conference in Arizona by issuing a stark ultimatum to the Central American nation of Panama. He called for the country to significantly reduce the fees charged for the use of the Panama Canal, or face the possibility of the United States regaining control of the pivotal waterway.

"The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, highly unfair," he declared to an enthusiastic crowd, asserting that the current costs imposed on American shipping and naval vessels were a "complete rip-off." The Panama Canal, a vital 51-mile connector between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, was under US control until treaties between the two nations led to its handover in 1999.

Trump's remarks prompted a swift response from Panama's President, José Raúl Mulino, who stated that the canal and surrounding areas constituted "every square meter" of Panamanian territory and emphasized that the country's sovereignty was non-negotiable. This episode highlights a potential new direction in American foreign policy under Trump, especially as he returns to political prominence with a focus on national interests.

The former president's critique of Panama was not limited to canal fees; he also aimed criticisms at neighboring nations Canada and Mexico regarding trade practices. While addressing the crowd, Trump revisited familiar campaign themes like immigration and foreign trade, steering clear of a recent Congressional debate on raising the debt ceiling.

As the political landscape shifts, Trump's proposed tactics may have far-reaching implications for international relations, sparking questions about whether his administration will reignite contentious debates over territory and trade agreements that have long since been settled.

With numerous ships navigating the canal each year, including military and commercial vessels, Trump's passionate remarks could stir a complex dialogue about the canal's future and the balance of power between the US and its neighbors in the coming years.