Trump Directs Military to Develop Plan for Panama Canal Control: Report

President Donald Trump has instructed the U.S. military to explore options for increasing American troop presence in Panama as part of his initiative to "reclaim" the Panama Canal.

Plans under consideration range from "partnering more closely with Panamanian security forces to a less likely option of U.S. troops' seizing the canal by force," according to two U.S. officials who spoke with NBC News on Thursday.

Although military intervention remains an improbable scenario, sources indicated that it could become a consideration if Panama refuses to cooperate with the United States.

Trump has previously emphasized that regaining influence over the 50-mile-long waterway is vital to national security, particularly amid rising concerns about China's growing presence in the region.

Additionally, the president has criticized Panama for imposing what he considers excessive fees for utilizing the canal.

Linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Panama Canal serves as one of the world’s busiest maritime passages.

According to the International Trade Commission, approximately 72 percent of all canal traffic consists of goods being transported to or from U.S. ports.

By significantly shortening transit time and reducing costs, the canal plays a crucial role in global trade. Without it, ships would be forced to navigate an 8,000-nautical-mile detour around South America.

Ensuring control over the canal would allow for uninterrupted passage of both American commercial and military vessels—an especially critical factor in times of conflict when adversaries could attempt to block key chokepoints.

The United States maintained control over the Panama Canal from 1914 until its official transfer to Panama in 1999, as stipulated by a treaty signed by Democratic President Jimmy Carter.

Trump has frequently asserted that U.S. control of the canal is necessary, citing national security concerns as well as what he perceives to be unjustified toll increases.

In theory, direct U.S. oversight of the canal could help keep shipping costs lower for American businesses and consumers.

"Privately, Trump has told his advisers that he sees a U.S. military presence in Panama and on the canal itself as critical to that effort," U.S. officials told NBC News.

"Trump has also made it clear that he wants U.S. service members to be visible in the canal zone as a show of force."

In January, the president stated that he could not guarantee he would refrain from using military force to retake control of the canal.

It remains uncertain whether Trump’s push for U.S. control over the Panama Canal is a genuine objective or a negotiation tactic aimed at securing lower toll rates.

However, any attempt to reclaim authority over the canal could spark significant diplomatic fallout, leading to accusations of American imperialism and potential aggression.

As always, how this situation unfolds will be intriguing—and possibly even entertaining.

So long as Trump stays committed to prioritizing America’s interests while maintaining global stability, his supporters will undoubtedly stand behind him.