Trump Prepares to Send Soldiers to Take Back Panama Canal

President Trump is following through on his promise to protect American interests by taking back control of the Panama Canal. And he’s now told the Pentagon to draw up plans to send in troops if necessary.

At a glance:

• President Trump announced a deal where U.S. and Swiss investors will purchase Chinese-backed ports at the Panama Canal

• Trump has directed the Pentagon to prepare plans to potentially “take back” the Panama Canal

• Hong Kong-based conglomerate CK Hutchison agreed to sell its stake in two Panama Canal ports to a consortium including BlackRock

• The $22.8 billion deal would give the consortium control of 80% interest in Hutchison Ports and 90% of Panama Ports

Trump Takes Action to Secure Strategic Waterway

President Donald Trump has made securing the Panama Canal a priority for his administration, announcing concrete steps to counter what he describes as Chinese influence over this crucial trade route. The strategic waterway, which sees nearly 15,000 ships transit annually with two-thirds headed to or from the United States, has become a focal point in America’s efforts to protect its economic and national security interests.

Not only is Trump planning to send in the troops, but he just revealed a huge consortium of investors are looking to take control of the region.

Trump revealed that a consortium including U.S. asset manager BlackRock has agreed to purchase stakes in Chinese-backed ports at the Panama Canal, calling it a victory for American interests.

“My administration will be reclaiming the Panama Canal, and we’ve already started doing it,” Trump declared, highlighting the deal as a significant step in reasserting American influence over the vital shipping channel.

The announced $22.8 billion deal involves a consortium gaining control of an 80% interest in CK Hutchison subsidiary Hutchison Ports and 90% of Panama Ports. Hong Kong-based conglomerate CK Hutchison agreed to sell its stake in the two Panama Canal ports, a move Trump framed as necessary to counter potential Chinese military control of the strategic passage.

Pentagon Develops Strategic Options

Beyond the commercial acquisition, Trump has directed the Pentagon to prepare comprehensive plans regarding the Panama Canal’s future security. U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) is reportedly developing options ranging from cooperation with Panama’s military to more direct measures that would ensure American interests are protected at this critical global chokepoint.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has voiced strong support for Trump’s initiative, emphasizing America’s right to protect free navigation through the canal. “The right—we retain the right—to do what is necessary to make sure there is free navigation in the Panama Canal,” Hegseth stated, underscoring the administration’s commitment to maintaining this vital sea lane.

The United States built the Panama Canal with American funds, completing the massive engineering project in 1914 at great expense and effort. The canal was later transferred to Panamanian control in 1999 under the Torrijos-Carter treaties, a move that many conservatives have long criticized as surrendering a strategic American asset.

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