Donald Trump once warned of reimposing U.S. control over the Panama Canal because of:

The Panama Canal has long been of strategic interest to the United States due to its critical role in maritime trade and security. During his political career, Donald Trump expressed concern over the growing risk of Chinese influence in the canal’s operations, particularly after Chinese companies gained involvement in surrounding infrastructure projects. The U.S. views foreign control in this region as a potential security threat, considering the canal’s role in military logistics and global commerce. Such statements reflect broader geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China, where trade routes are seen as instruments of strategic leverage.