Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth touched down in Panama Monday, wading straight into the diplomatic stir caused by President Trump’s talk of taking back the Panama Canal.
SecDef Pete Hegseth is wheels down in Panama. Let’s go!! pic.twitter.com/8RyglhGNhx
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) April 8, 2025
Hegseth, making his first official trip to the Central American nation, is juggling meetings with local officials and defense chiefs from neighboring countries gathered for a security summit. The visit comes as Trump continues to rattle cages with his declarations about reclaiming the vital waterway, which has been under Panamanian control since New Year’s Eve 1999.
While the President’s comments have raised eyebrows internationally, Hegseth’s mission appears aimed at smoothing things over and talking shop about regional security. Panama City is playing host to a conference on the topic, giving the Pentagon boss a platform to stress America’s commitment to stability in the area.
The trip is also about shoring up ties with Panama itself. Back in February, Hegseth and Panamanian President José Raul Mulino chatted on the phone, agreeing to boost cooperation between the U.S. military and Panama’s security forces, particularly concerning the canal’s safety.
This visit is seen as a key chance for Hegseth to clarify America’s intentions regarding the canal and reassure allies that the focus remains on partnership and shared security interests, despite the ongoing chatter about its ownership. The outcome could be crucial for future U.S.-Panama relations and the broader security picture in the region.
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