U.S. Considers Increased Military Presence in Panama to 'Reclaim' the Canal

The White House has directed the U.S. military to draft options for boosting troop presence in Panama, with a focus on reclaiming the strategic Panama Canal. This initiative includes plans to secure existing ports, consider constructing new facilities, and operate the canal's locks—a move that underscores the canal's critical role in U.S. commercial and military logistics.

Recent developments, including comments from U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during visits in early April 2025, have emphasized the need for enhanced security cooperation in the region. While the effort is positioned as a means to bolster regional defense and counter potential external threats, such as concerns over Chinese influence, Panama continues to underscore its sovereignty over the canal. Joint discussions on military training, maritime security, and other strategic areas have further highlighted the complexity of balancing national interests with regional stability.