Donald Trump is showing just how tough America can be. He’s not going down without a fight in any situation.
And the Trump admin makes a bold threat to China that has them shaking in fear.
Hegseth in Panama: U.S. Signals Bold Move to Reclaim Panama Canal from China’s Grip
On a Tuesday in Panama, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stood firm, delivering a powerful declaration that rippled across the region: the United States, alongside Panama, intends to wrest the Panama Canal from China’s growing shadow.
“I want to be very clear — China did not build this canal. China does not operate this canal, and China will not weaponize this canal,” Hegseth proclaimed with unwavering resolve during a ceremony at the Vasco Nuñez de Balboa Naval Base. The event marked the unveiling of a newly refurbished pier, revitalized with the help of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers—a site once known as Rodman Naval Station, a U.S. stronghold until its transfer to Panama in 1999.
Hegseth painted a vivid picture of collaboration, emphasizing Panama’s leadership in the effort. “Together with Panama in the lead, we will keep the canal secure and available for all nations through the deterrent power of the strongest, most effective, and most lethal fighting force in the world,” he said.
“We will do this in partnership with Panama. Together we will take back the Panama Canal from China’s influence, and we will do this along with other capable like-minded allies and partners. This is what ‘peace through strength’ looks like.”
Though Panama has pushed back against claims of Chinese dominance over the canal, Hegseth pointed to the presence of China-based companies controlling key infrastructure nearby. He warned of the potential for Beijing to exploit this foothold for surveillance, a concern echoed by President Donald Trump. “As President Donald Trump has pointed out, that situation is not acceptable,” Hegseth noted.
The Panama Canal, a marvel born of American ingenuity in 1914 and handed over to Panama in 1979 under President Jimmy Carter, has surged to the forefront of the Trump administration’s agenda. Trump has made it clear he aims to bolster security along the southern border and throughout the Western Hemisphere, countering China’s ambitions to overtake the U.S. as the globe’s preeminent power.
In his March Joint Address to Congress, Trump doubled down, saying, “To further enhance our national security, my administration will be reclaiming the Panama Canal, and we’ve already started doing it. Just today, a large American company announced they are buying both ports around the Panama Canal and lots of other things having to do with the Panama Canal and a couple of other canals.”
Trump didn’t mince words about the canal’s origins and cost. “The Panama Canal was built by Americans for Americans, not for others, but others could use it. But it was built at tremendous cost of American blood and treasure,” he said.
He recounted the staggering toll—38,000 workers lost to malaria, snake bites, and grueling conditions—calling it the most expensive project in U.S. history when adjusted to today’s dollars. “It was given away by the Carter administration for $1, but that agreement has been violated very severely. We didn’t give it to China. We gave it to Panama, and we’re taking it back,” Trump asserted.
Hegseth’s trip marks the second high-profile visit by a Trump official to Panama in just three months. Secretary of State Marco Rubio laid the groundwork in February, persuading Panama to abandon a Chinese Belt and Road Initiative project—a program critics say ensnares nations in debt through predatory loans. During his visit, Hegseth huddled with Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino, Public Security Minister Frank Abrego, and other leaders, while also attending the 2025 Central America Security Conference, which was co-hosted by the U.S. and Panama.
That evening, Mulino, Panama Canal Authority Administrator Ricaurte Vazquez, and Hegseth issued a joint statement celebrating the “robust foundation and legacy” of U.S.-Panama ties. They pledged to deepen cooperation on canal security, citing the 1977 Panama Canal Treaty’s promise of swift passage for both nations’ warships. The leaders vowed to craft a plan addressing tolls and charges while enhancing joint security efforts.
Hegseth hailed the enduring U.S.-Panama bond, predicting it would “continue to grow in the months and years ahead.” Yet he also took a moment to reflect on history, recalling President Teddy Roosevelt’s 1906 visit—the first time a sitting U.S. president stepped abroad—to oversee the canal’s construction.
“Nearly 120 years later, this canal remains a wonder of the world,” Hegseth said. “And like President Roosevelt, President Trump today recognizes the canal’s rightful place as the center of our shared hemisphere.”
He ticked off the canal’s vital stats: connecting two continents and oceans, moving over $250 billion in goods annually, handling 40 percent of U.S. shipping, and cutting nearly 8,000 miles from coast-to-coast voyages.
“Almost 100 US military vessels each year transit the canal,” he added. “This miraculous canal shows what our two nations can achieve together.”
Hegseth wrapped up with a nod to shared sacrifice and optimism. “We worked together to build this canal. Workers from both our countries gave their lives during its construction. We are proud of our shared history and excited for our shared future. Returning Pier 3 to service today shows how we will continue to work together to secure and preserve that legacy. God bless. Thank you very much,” he concluded, leaving no doubt about the administration’s intent to reshape the canal’s future.
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