Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is preparing to embark on a critical journey to Panama City next week.
The Daily Wire reported that Hegseth’s forthcoming trip is amidst elevated political tensions due to President Donald Trump’s intentions to reclaim control over the Panama Canal.
This outcome reflects Trump's controversial pronouncements last month, in which he lamented the costs imposed by Panama on America for the usage of the canal.
On Friday, the U.S. Defense Department publicized that Hegseth's itinerary includes the long-planned 2025 Central American Security Conference.
Additionally, Hegseth is scheduled for meetings with various key leaders across the military, security, and civil sectors from neighboring Central American countries. These discussions are a part of the U.S.'s broader ambition to strengthen its ties and ensure a stable Western Hemisphere.
Sean Parnell, a spokesperson for the department, expressed that the convening with Central American leaders would propel the joint vision for a peaceful hemisphere.
“The Secretary will meet with partner-nation senior civilian, military, and security leadership in a series of bilateral meetings that will drive ongoing efforts to strengthen our partnerships with Panama and other Central American nations toward our shared vision for a peaceful and secure Western Hemisphere.”
In March, during a joint address to Congress, President Trump starkly declared his goal to retake the Panama Canal, which was handed over to Panama in 1999.
Trump emphasized, “We didn’t give it to China; we gave it to Panama, and we’re taking it back.” His assertion underscored a distinct hardline stance that has since unravelled diplomatic concerns.
Trump’s comments in December further complicated matters when he criticized the fees Panama charges, labeling them as “ridiculous” and reflective of a “complete ‘rip-off’." His frustration stems from what he perceives as an imbalance in the generosity that the U.S. has historically extended towards Panama, particularly concerning the strategic canal.
However, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has strongly rebutted Trump's claims. In March, he addressed these assertions by clarifying, “Once again, President Trump is lying. The Panama Canal is not in the process of being restored, and this is certainly not the task that was even discussed in our conversations with Secretary Rubio or anyone else.” Mulino’s firm stance highlights the tensions that have surfaced following Trump’s declarations.
Furthering his criticism, Mulino denounced the U.S. president's assertions as a violation of Panama’s sovereignty. “I reject, on behalf of Panama and all Panamanians, this new affront to the truth and our dignity as a nation. Cooperation between our governments requires a clear understanding of issues of mutual interest, as has been done. It has nothing to do with the ‘recovery of the Canal’ or with tarnishing our national sovereignty. The Canal is Panamanian and will continue to be Panamanian!” His defense articulates a nationalistic response to perceived external pressures.
Following his discussions in Panama, Hegseth plans to visit Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. There, he will engage with the 7th Special Forces Group's service members and command leadership.
This segment of his trip continues to underscore the Defense Department's focus on enhancing military capabilities and international collaboration.
While the U.S. government under Trump’s leadership navigates through contentious waters concerning the Panama Canal, Secretary Hegseth’s journey next week will be pivotal in mending or, possibly, straining further the ties that bind these nations amidst geopolitical shifts.