In a surprising admission during a White House Cabinet meeting on Thursday, President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Pete Hegseth confirmed the deployment of U.S. troops to the Panama Canal, citing concerns over China’s growing influence in the strategic waterway.
“We’re taking back the canal. China’s had too much influence Obama and others let them creep in. We, along with Panama, are pushing them out,” Hegseth told Trump in remarks made in front of the press. He added that Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino had expressed willingness to collaborate with U.S. forces to remove what he called “the Communist Chinese” from the region.
Trump, nodding in agreement, stated, “We’ve moved a lot of troops to Panama and filled up some areas that we used to have, we didn’t have any longer, but we have them now. And I think it’s in very good control, right?” Hegseth affirmed, “Yes, Sir.”
The exchange suggests a shift in Trump’s approach toward Panama, which he previously antagonized by floating the idea of retaking the canal. Hegseth’s recent diplomatic visit appears to have eased tensions, with the U.S. now publicly recognizing Panama’s sovereignty over the canal.
However, reports last month revealed that Trump had requested military plans for a potential seizure of the canal, indicating he still favors keeping the option available. In response, Panama has taken steps to align with U.S. interests, including reimbursing transit fees for American ships, signing a security cooperation agreement, and permitting U.S. troops to resume jungle warfare training in the country.
Additionally, Panama has agreed to terminate an infrastructure deal with China and conduct a financial audit of Hong Kong–based CK Hutchison Holdings, which operates ports on both ends of the canal. Despite these concessions, it remains uncertain whether they will fully deter Trump from pursuing more aggressive measures in the future.
The developments underscore the geopolitical tug-of-war over one of the world’s most vital trade routes, with the U.S. seeking to counter China’s expanding global infrastructure footprint.
For further political updates, visit DC Brief.
