The White House has instructed the U.S. military to develop options for increasing American troop presence in Panama, aiming to fulfill President Donald Trump’s goal of “reclaiming” the Panama Canal, according to two U.S. officials familiar with the discussions.
During a joint address to Congress last week, Trump declared:
“To further enhance our national security, my administration will be reclaiming the Panama Canal.”
Since then, administration officials have not clarified what "reclaiming" entails.
The U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) is currently developing various strategies, ranging from:
Officials noted that the extent of Panama’s cooperation will determine whether military force is considered.
The Trump administration’s broader goal is to expand U.S. military presence in Panama as a way to counteract China’s growing influence in the region—especially its access to the canal, the officials said.
However, both Panama and China deny any foreign interference in the 50-mile-long waterway, whose neutrality is protected by Panama’s Constitution. Chinese officials have accused the U.S. of “coercion” in an attempt to pressure Panama into blocking Chinese infrastructure and aid projects.
Sources told NBC News that Adm. Alvin Holsey, the commander of U.S. Southern Command, presented draft military strategies to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth this week. Hegseth is expected to visit Panama next month.
Officials emphasized that a U.S. invasion of Panama is unlikely—but remains an option if an increased military presence does not fulfill Trump’s objective of reasserting U.S. control over the canal.
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