Trump White House has asked U.S. military to develop options for the Panama Canal, officials say
Potential plans range from partnering more closely with Panamanian security forces to a less likely option of U.S. troops seizing the canal by force, U.S. officials told NBC News.
March 13, 2025, 6:57 AM MST / Updated March 13, 2025, 10:23 AM MST
By Courtney Kube, Gordon Lubold and Carol E. Lee
WASHINGTON — The White House has directed the U.S. military to draw up options for increasing the American troop presence in Panama to achieve President Trump’s goal of “reclaiming” the Panama Canal, according to two U.S. officials familiar with the planning.
During a joint address to Congress last week, Trump said, “to further enhance our national security, my administration will be reclaiming the Panama Canal.” Since then, administration officials have not said what "reclaiming” means.
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