U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visits Panama in a bid to renegotiate control over the Panama Canal, echoing Trump’s stance that handing it over was a mistake.
In a controversial move, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has arrived in Panama on his first international trip, carrying a bold mission to reclaim the Panama Canal for the United States, according to The Washington Post. This follows President Donald Trump’s assertion that the canal should never have been handed over to Panama 25 years ago.
Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino dismissed Trump’s demand as “impossible,” while regional leaders condemned the idea as a return to 19th-century imperialism. However, analysts believe Trump’s position is more likely a negotiating tactic aimed at securing lower transit fees for American goods or stronger migration cooperation.
During his inauguration speech, Trump declared, “We’re taking it back,” reinforcing speculation about potential U.S. efforts to regain influence over the crucial waterway. Rubio’s itinerary includes stops in El Salvador, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica—an unusual first diplomatic tour, as U.S. secretaries of state typically prioritize visits to Asia or Europe.
The Panama Canal, built by the U.S. in the early 20th century, was handed over to Panama in 1999 as part of a treaty signed by President Jimmy Carter—an agreement Trump has repeatedly criticized as a “huge mistake.”
The U.S. administration has also raised concerns about China’s growing presence in the region, with Trump alleging that Panama allows Chinese troops near the canal. This claim has heightened geopolitical tensions, especially as China’s Belt and Road Initiative expands its influence in Latin America.
As Rubio’s diplomatic tour unfolds, the world watches closely to see whether Trump’s administration will take further steps toward reasserting control over the Panama Canal.
