May 29, 2025 10:49 pm
Full News

Trump Sends Secretary of State to Secure Panama’s Allegiance

Even before taking office, U.S. President Donald Trump had threatened to take control of the Panama Canal. Now, he has adopted a different strategy, sending his newly appointed Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, to Panama. Latin America’s close ally, Panama, has recently faced tension with the U.S. following Trump’s comments.

According to an ABC News report on Friday (January 24), the Trump administration, which assumed office just four days ago, has already prioritized its agenda. Trump has entrusted Rubio, a former political rival, with the critical role of Secretary of State, assigning him the significant task of ensuring Panama remains within the U.S. sphere of influence and removing China’s “malicious” presence. Rubio is set to visit Panama next week.

The strategic importance of the Panama Canal is undeniable. Originally constructed by the United States, it was later handed over to Panama under a treaty. However, Trump has claimed that the canal has been out of U.S. control since December. He repeatedly mentioned the issue in social media posts, rallies, and even during his presidential inauguration speech.

Trump has alleged that the canal is now under Chinese control. He insists on reclaiming the canal to reduce Chinese influence. However, both China and Panama deny any interference in canal operations, asserting that it functions as a neutral waterway. Still, by sending Rubio, Trump is signaling his dissatisfaction.

In addition to Panama, Rubio will visit Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic. During the Biden administration, the U.S. became distanced from many Latin American countries, which China exploited to strengthen its presence in the region. Beijing has even constructed a maritime port near the U.S.’s doorstep, potentially deployable for military purposes—a growing concern for Washington.

Trump has realized that without strengthening relationships with neighbors, China’s aggression will only increase. Before Rubio’s trip, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce echoed the sentiment, stating that maintaining good relationships with neighboring countries is essential for the U.S.’s security and prosperity. While China does not operate the Panama Canal, Beijing’s presence in nearby countries remains notable.

At least five Chinese state-owned enterprises operate near the Panama Canal. In 2023, General Laura Richardson of the U.S. Southern Command warned about these enterprises, stating that they could also serve military purposes. Rubio himself expressed similar concerns during his recent confirmation hearing last month.

Related News
India Rejects Bangladesh’s Remarks on West Bengal Incidents
Moana 2 Streams on Disney+ March 12
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Visit South Korea, Japan, and France Amid Political Crisis in Seoul
Dhaka Police Station Seized by Islamist Youths
Syria’s Foreign Minister to Attend Paris Conference Amid Fragile Transition
Marvel Studios Unveils Trailer for The Fantastic Four: First StepsLos Angeles
Related Posts
MIT Shuts Down DEI Office Amid National Debate and Trump Administration Pressure
GOP Lawmaker Introduces Bill to Rename D.C. Metro as “Trump Train”
Kamala Harris’s 2028 Nomination Is Hers to Lose — and She’s Losing It
Trump Sees Major Wins in Latin America
SpaceX Starship Setbacks Raise Concerns Over NASA’s 2027 Moon Mission
Lashkar-e-Taiba Claims Role in Bangladesh Uprising, Raising Alarms Over Regional Security
More News

Former Bangladeshi Minister and Legendary Actor Asaduzzaman Noor Attacked in Hospital

Asaduzzaman Noor, a former minister and renowned actor in Bangladesh, was attacked while receiving medical treatment under police custody at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). The incident has sparked widespread outrage and debate on social media. After being arrested on September 16 and placed in police remand, Asaduzzaman Noor fell ill and was hospitalized […]

Long Queues Form for Trump’s 2025 Presidential Inauguration Tickets

As the countdown to Donald J. Trump’s 2025 Presidential Inauguration continues, an unprecedented surge in public interest has led to long queues outside venues where tickets for the event are being distributed. With just days left before the ceremony on January 20, 2025, eager supporters and history enthusiasts have gathered, showcasing the high anticipation and […]

US Defense Secretary to Visit Mexico Border on First Trip

On his first trip since taking office, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will visit the Mexico border on Monday (February 3). This move signals the Pentagon’s continued focus on border security under President Donald Trump’s administration, according to a report by British news agency Reuters. Trump has increasingly relied on the military to enforce his […]

Where Is Biden Going On His Last Day?

Sunday (January 19) marks Joe Biden’s final full day as President of the United States since he will be succeeded by Donald Trump on Monday. It has been reported that on his last day as President, Biden will visit South Carolina, where he will also observe the national holiday in honor of Martin Luther King […]

Israeli Airstrikes on Gaza Claim Lives, Wound Dozens

News: CAIRO (Reuters) – An Israeli airstrike on Gaza’s Deir al-Balah killed at least 10 Palestinians and wounded others, medics told Reuters on Tuesday. In a separate strike on a house in Rafah, five people including a woman were killed, and four others were injured, medics said. The airstrikes have intensified the ongoing conflict between […]

WW3 ALERT: NATO Considers Massive Strike on Russia; Kremlin Threatens Nuclear Retaliation

Global tensions have reached a breaking point as NATO commanders reportedly propose a large-scale surprise attack on Russia, sparking fears of a Third World War. In response, the Kremlin has vowed to retaliate with nuclear weapons if provoked, intensifying the already volatile standoff. The Pentagon has assured NATO allies of a “rock solid” commitment under […]

Djokovic claims he was given ‘poisoned’ food in Australia

Novak Djokovic, the men’s tennis Grand Slam winner, has claimed he was given a “poisoned” food mixed with lead and mercury while detained in Melbourne in 2022. Djokovic’s visa was revoked after he went to the country to play the Australian Open. He was held in a detention hotel. Then the former number one in […]

Bangladesh Formally Requests Extradition of Sheikh Hasina from India

DHAKA – The Bangladesh government has formally requested the extradition of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India, according to Touhid Hossain, the interim government’s advisor on foreign affairs. Speaking at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, Touhid Hossain stated: “We have clearly informed India. We have sent a diplomatic note verbale requesting her […]

US-Hamas Talks on Gaza Prisoner Release Fail: Israeli Media

The United States recently held its first direct talks with Hamas, the Palestinian armed group, aiming to secure the release of prisoners in Gaza and bring an end to the ongoing conflict. These discussions were initiated by the Trump administration. However, according to Israeli media reports, the negotiations between the US and Hamas have failed. […]

Japan’s Foreign Minister to Highlight Economic and Security Ties at Trump’s Inauguration

Tokyo – Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya announced on Friday that he will emphasize the economic and national security value that Japan offers as a key ally to the United States during his visit to Washington for President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday. During his four-day stay beginning Sunday, Iwaya will be the first senior […]