Trump Administration Explores Military Options for Panama Canal Access

A Pentagon memo reveals directives to ensure U.S. access to the canal, as geopolitical tensions with China and corporate acquisitions escalate.

The Trump administration has directed the Pentagon to present military strategies to secure U.S. access to the Panama Canal, citing strategic priorities in a new defense memo.
The directive aligns with Trump's broader focus on reducing U.S. military commitments in Europe while prioritizing border security and countering China's influence in Latin America.
Panama's President José Raul Mulino has publicly rejected Trump's claims that the U.S. is reclaiming the canal, emphasizing that no such discussions have occurred with Panamanian officials.
BlackRock, a major U.S. asset management firm, recently acquired two key ports at either end of the canal as part of a $22.8 billion global deal, intensifying the geopolitical contest for critical infrastructure.
The administration's actions reflect a shift toward leveraging corporate and military power to counter China's expanding influence in global trade and infrastructure, particularly in Latin America.