U.S. Defense Secretary Prepares for Key Panama Visit as Canal Tensions Mount

Pete Hegseth's upcoming trip aims to bolster regional security ties following Trump's call to reclaim the Panama Canal.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth will travel to Panama next week to attend the 2025 Central American Security Conference and meet with Panamanian leaders.
The visit follows President Trump's controversial statements advocating for U.S. reclamation of the Panama Canal, citing high fees and alleged Chinese influence.
Panama's President José Raúl Mulino has strongly rejected Trump's claims, reaffirming Panama's sovereignty over the canal and denying any Chinese control.
A Hong Kong-based conglomerate recently agreed to sell its stakes in ports near the canal to a U.S.-led consortium, including BlackRock, pending Panamanian approval.
The trip underscores U.S. efforts to strengthen partnerships in Central America and address concerns about regional security and strategic influence.