Live updates: President of Panama responds to Trump's Canal comments, lawmakers weigh averted shutdown
Dec 22, 2024
A host of lawmakers took to the Sunday show circuit in the wake of a government spending deal being reached to avoid a shutdown within minutes of the deadline.
Ultimately, a shutdown was averted. President Biden signed the legislation on Saturday to prevent a government shutdown after a hectic week as the 118th Congress came to a close, which illustrated strains the slim Republican majority is likely to face in January.
President-elect Trump, meanwhile, spoke a packed "America Fest" hosted by Turning Point USA where he touted his election victory, went through a slew of promises he plans for when he takes office and again fumed over fees charged at the Panama Canal, suggesting at point it return to U.S. control.
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino shot back on Sunday.
“As President, I want to express clearly that every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent zone belongs to Panama, and will continue to do so,” Mulino said in video statement, according to an English translation. “The sovereignty and independence of our country are not negotiable.”
Regardless of the turmoil on Capitol Hill, the Trump transition team is barreling ahead with Inauguration Day less than a month away. On Saturday, the former president made several announcements of individuals slated to join his new administration as his inner circle shapes up before he takes office.
For the latest updates on all these developments, follow along below.