Mon Jan 20 17:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Trump’s Canal Comments Spark Outrage in Panama
**Panama City, Panama** – President-elect Donald Trump’s repeated suggestions that the United States should “take back” the Panama Canal have ignited a furious backlash in Panama. The comments, made during his inauguration and in previous statements, have been met with widespread condemnation, reopening historical wounds and sparking passionate debate across the nation.
The Panama Canal, fully transferred to Panamanian control in 1999, is a powerful symbol of national sovereignty and independence. Panamanians view Trump’s remarks as a blatant disregard for their hard-won control of this vital waterway. CGTN’s Nitza Soledad Perez reports from Panama City that the mood on the streets is one of anger and disbelief, with citizens expressing strong opposition to any suggestion of US re-acquisition. The incident underscores the sensitive nature of the canal’s ownership and the enduring legacy of US involvement in Panamanian affairs.
First Piper 