Sec Hegseth to visit Panama after Trump’s demands for canal
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is scheduled to meet with Panamanian leaders next week in the midst of President Donald Trump’s ongoing efforts to regain control of the crucial strategic and military asset, the Panama Canal.
The Trump administration has been vocal about the national security risks posed by alleged Chinese interference in the region. During a visit to Panama in February, Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized in a post that “the United States cannot, and will not, allow the Chinese Communist Party to continue its effective and growing control over the Panama Canal area.”
Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed on Friday that the defense secretary will be attending the 2025 Central American Security Conference, where he will engage in discussions aimed at enhancing the U.S.’s partnerships with Panama and other Central American nations, as reported by the Associated Press.
President Trump has criticized the high fees imposed on U.S. ships using the canal and has even suggested repurchasing it. Although the canal was constructed by the U.S. over several decades, it was eventually handed over to Panama during the Carter administration.
A bill known as the “Panama Canal Repurchase Act,” recently introduced in Congress, would grant Trump the authority to negotiate with Panamanian officials to potentially reacquire the canal.
In response to Trump’s interest in acquiring the canal, Panama President José Raúl Mulino refuted claims that China exercises influence over the waterway and accused the president of spreading falsehoods. BlackRock, Inc. later announced a $23 billion deal with Hong Kong-based CK Hutchinson to acquire the Panamanian ports of Cristobal and Balboa, along with 43 ports in 23 other countries.
The potential sale of the canal to BlackRock could have significant implications in U.S.-China trade negotiations, as the canal could be used as leverage by China in tariff talks.
In addition to his visit to Panama, Secretary Hegseth is also scheduled to visit Eglin Air Force Base in Florida to meet with military personnel and leadership at the 7th Special Forces Group.
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