What’s the history of the Panama Canal, and why is Trump threatening to retake control of it? [Video]

President-elect Donald Trump has suggested the US should retake the Panama Canal, an idea that was immediately rejected by the government of Panama, which has controlled the passage for decades.

In social media posts and remarks to supporters, Trump accused Panama of charging the US “exorbitant rates” to use the canal and hinted at growing Chinese influence over the crucial waterway.

“The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, especially knowing the extraordinary generosity that has been bestowed to Panama by the US,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Saturday.

The US-built canal was opened in 1914 and controlled by the United States until a 1977 agreement provided for its eventual handover to Panama.

The canal was jointly operated by both countries until the Panamanian government retained full control after 1999.

Speaking to a crowdof young conservatives in Phoenix on Sunday, Trump said if the spirit …