Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth suggested the possibility of reestablishing a U.S. military presence in the country to help secure the Panama Canal, a proposal that was swiftly rejected by local officials.
Speaking alongside Panamanian authorities at a press conference in the country, Hegseth said that "by invitation" the U.S. could "revive" former military installations such as bases or naval air stations. He framed the idea within the context of increasing security cooperation with Panama and responding to growing concerns the Trump administration has expressed over China's influence in the region.
