US TROOPS Deploy – “Reclaim” Panama!

Trump deploys troops to Panama while vowing to “reclaim” the Canal, sparking accusations of a “camouflaged invasion” as China warns against US “coercion” in what looks like the beginning of a new American occupation.

At a Glance

• The White House has instructed the US military to develop options to increase American troop presence in Panama to “reclaim” the
• Panama Canal
• Over 200 US troops have already moved into Panama, with troops stationed at three former American bases
• Panamanian opposition accuses President Mulino of facilitating a “camouflaged invasion” that violates sovereignty
• Trump administration cites China’s influence as justification, claiming Beijing threatens US shipping access
• Panama’s government officially rejects US military bases while secretly negotiating new arrangements

America’s Return to Panama: Sovereignty Under Siege

Remember when Democrats gave away the Panama Canal? Well, it looks like we’re taking it back. The Trump administration has directed the US military to develop options to “reclaim” the Panama Canal and curb China’s growing influence in the region. While the exact meaning of “reclaiming” remains conveniently undefined, US Southern Command is considering everything from friendly partnerships with Panamanian forces to potentially seizing the canal by force. This isn’t just about nostalgia for American property—it’s about countering the Chinese Communist Party’s alarming expansion into our hemisphere, something the previous administration ignored while focusing on pronoun policies instead of protecting American interests.

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During his campaign, President Trump made his intentions crystal clear: “to further enhance our national security, my administration will be reclaiming the Panama Canal.” Unlike politicians who speak in vague platitudes, Trump delivers. Over 200 US troops have already moved into Panama, with discussions underway about establishing Army Jungle Schools and increasing American military presence. The strategic waterway handles significant US cargo and naval traffic, and allowing China to gain control of it would be like giving your house keys to a known burglar. Secretary of State Marco Rubio summed it up perfectly when he stated that “the status quo is unacceptable”—a refreshing dose of reality after years of diplomatic weakness.

China’s Expanding Influence and America’s Response

While the Biden administration slept at the wheel, China quietly expanded its influence throughout Latin America through its Belt and Road Initiative—a fancy name for debt-trap diplomacy. They’ve been circling the Panama Canal like sharks, investing in nearby ports and infrastructure in a transparent attempt to gain leverage over this crucial shipping lane. Former Southern Command commander Gen. Laura Richardson previously warned about China’s long-term strategic goals in Panama, but her concerns fell on deaf ears until Trump returned to office. Now, the administration is taking concrete steps to ensure American ships maintain access and to push back against Beijing’s creeping control of one of the world’s most important waterways.

“We do not seek war with China. And war with China is certainly not inevitable. We do not seek it in any form. But together, we must prevent war by robustly and vigorously deterring China’s threats in this hemisphere” said Pete Hegseth.

The Chinese response has been entirely predictable. Their Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian claimed China “firmly opposes the U.S. smearing and undermining the Belt and Road cooperation through means of pressure and coercion.” That’s rich coming from a country that perfected economic coercion as an art form. Meanwhile, in a significant win for American interests, US investment company BlackRock is part of a group purchasing a 90% stake in the Panama Ports Company from a Hong Kong-based firm—beginning the process of pushing China out of this strategically vital position. This is what putting America first actually looks like in practice.

Panama’s Double Game: Public Rejection, Private Cooperation

Panama’s government is trying to have it both ways—publicly rejecting US bases to placate their citizens while quietly allowing American troops to set up shop at three different locations. “Panama made clear, through President Mulino, that we cannot accept military bases or defence sites,” claimed Frank Abrego, even as US troops move in. This charade hasn’t fooled opposition leader Ricardo Lombana, who called the situation what it is: “This is a camouflaged invasion.” The Panamanian government is also playing games with canal fees, suggesting they’ll create a “cost-neutral” system for US warships instead of the free passage they deserve as the primary security guarantor for global shipping.

“If you have an installation which is for use of foreign soldiers and they have control over what happens inside – and Panama has to ask in advance to enter – that’s a military base.” said Ricardo Lombana.

President Trump himself confirmed the scale of the operation, stating bluntly: “We’ve moved a lot of troops to Panama.” This is refreshing honesty compared to the bureaucratic doublespeak from Panama’s government, which is desperately trying to hide the reality of what’s happening from its citizens. The 1977 Torrijos-Carter treaties—another spectacular failure of the Carter administration—supposedly guaranteed Panama’s sovereignty over the canal, but that agreement assumed Panama would maintain independence from hostile powers like China. When national security is at stake, America has both the right and responsibility to protect its interests. The left’s predictable hand-wringing about sovereignty conveniently ignores China’s far more insidious economic colonization of the region.

The Strategic Imperative: Securing America’s Maritime Lifeline

This isn’t imperialism—it’s strategic necessity. The Panama Canal remains a critical artery for American commerce and naval power projection. Nearly 40% of all US container ship traffic passes through this waterway. Allowing a hostile power like China to potentially control or influence access to this vital maritime chokepoint would be a catastrophic strategic blunder. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s visit to Panama wasn’t a courtesy call but a clear message that America is serious about defending its interests. The Trump administration’s decisive action stands in stark contrast to the previous administration’s pattern of strategic retreat and appeasement that emboldened our adversaries and endangered our national security.

“to further enhance our national security, my administration will be reclaiming the Panama Canal.” said Trump.

When America withdrew from Panama in 1999, we created a power vacuum that China has been all too eager to fill. The canal Jimmy Carter gave away isn’t just a waterway—it’s a strategic asset built with American ingenuity, paid for with American dollars, and secured with American blood. The leftist outrage machine will undoubtedly frame this as American imperialism, but they remain conspicuously silent about China’s economic colonization of countries across the globe. President Trump’s decisive action to secure American interests in Panama is exactly why voters returned him to office—to put America first and reverse decades of strategic retreat that has endangered our national security and economic prosperity.