Chinese influence cannot control our own backyard

Pete Hegseth says Trump isn't just talking tough on China—he’s taking back the Panama Canal, and U.S. forces are already moving in.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth just dropped a bombshell after his return from Panama:

The U.S. is reclaiming the Panama Canal at all costs.

And Trump’s plan is already being executed.

“President Trump said in his State of the Union address China has too much influence over the canal, and America’s going to take it back.”

“That’s exactly what I was charged to do, what we’re continuing to do.”

All action.

“Chinese influence cannot control our own backyard—especially a critical waterway like the Panama Canal.”

Hegseth announced two historic agreements already locked in:

1. U.S. military and auxiliary vessels will travel first and free through the canal.

2. A formal agreement with Panama to reestablish a permanent U.S. presence.

“Fort Sherman will reopen jointly with the Panamanians, a jungle school, and we’re going to have a larger U.S. presence—at their invitation—working to keep the communist Chinese out.”

Trump saw the threat, and unlike past presidents, he’s not ignoring it.

“If we can’t use that waterway in a key contingency, then China has an advantage. Other presidents have allowed us—we’ve been sort of asleep at the wheel.”

Not anymore.

“President Trump has said we need to be serious about our own backyard. That includes a place like the Panama Canal.”

Hegseth gave credit to Panama’s new leader:

“I want to thank President Mulino, a pro-Trump, pro-America president of Panama, who’s sticking his neck out against communists.”

As for China’s goals?

“They want to control politicians. They’re building infrastructure projects. They want to surveil. They want to take that canal.”

“President Trump says ‘on our watch’—and we’re fighting back.”

This isn’t foreign policy. It’s a geopolitical power move. Trump isn’t reacting to China, he’s outflanking them.