Overview
- President Donald Trump, in his inaugural address, vowed to 'take back' the Panama Canal, citing alleged unfair treatment and unsubstantiated claims of Chinese control.
- Panama's President José Raúl Mulino strongly rejected Trump's comments, asserting the canal's sovereignty and its critical role in Panama's national identity and economy.
- World leaders responded variably to Trump's inauguration, with Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasizing dialogue and defending Mexican immigrants, while Ukraine and Israel praised Trump's leadership qualities.
- Trump's claims about the Panama Canal and other topics faced scrutiny, with fact-checkers debunking his assertions about Chinese involvement and discriminatory canal fees.
- The Panama Canal, a vital global trade route, remains a significant source of revenue and pride for Panama, with officials warning of severe consequences if U.S. intervention were attempted.