Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino reiterated the nation’s sovereignty over the Panama Canal in response to threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested reclaiming control if Panama imposes excessive fees. Mulino emphasized that Panama’s independence is non-negotiable, highlighting the historical context of U.S. control over the canal until 1999. Trump’s remarks indicate a significant shift in U.S. diplomacy under his leadership, expressing a willingness to pressure allied nations.