Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is reportedly set to travel to Panama next week following President Donald Trump’s recent declarations about regaining control of the Panama Canal.
The announcement comes from the Defense Department, which confirmed that Hegseth would be attending the 2025 Central American Security Conference in Panama City.
During his visit, Secretary Hegseth plans to engage in a series of bilateral meetings with senior civilian, military, and security leaders from partner nations.
The goal is to strengthen collaborative efforts with Panama and other Central American countries while working towards a shared vision for a peaceful and secure Western Hemisphere, as outlined by chief spokesman Sean Parnell.
This visit is particularly significant in light of Trump’s statements made during a joint address to Congress, where he asserted, “We didn’t give it to China; we gave it to Panama, and we’re taking it back.”
This marks an ongoing interest from Trump in the Panama Canal, as he previously criticized the fees imposed by Panama on U.S. usage of the canal, labeling them as a “rip-off.”
In response to Trump’s claims, Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino publicly refuted the assertions, calling them false.
He emphasized that the canal is not under discussion for recovery, and it remains a sovereign asset of Panama. Mulino stated, “The Canal is Panamanian and will continue to be Panamanian,” rejecting any notions of relinquishing control.
After concluding his engagements in Panama, Secretary Hegseth will proceed to Eglin Air Force Base in Florida for further discussions with service members and leadership at the 7th Special Forces Group.
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