Rubio to Visit Panama, Source Says, Amid Trump Push to Take Back Canal

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: US News and World Report/Reuters

Jan. 23, 2025, at 9:22 a.m.


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Panama during his first overseas trip in the post, a source told Reuters on Thursday, as President Donald Trump makes a push for the United States to take back the Panama Canal that has angered the Central American country.

Rubio is expected to depart on Jan. 31 and travel during the first week of February, making additional stops in Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica and El Salvador, according to the source who was familiar with the plans. Planning for the trip is still ongoing and the itinerary is subject to change, the source added. Asked about the trip, the U.S. State Department on Thursday said it did not have travel plans to announce at this time.

Trump has accused Panama of breaking the promises it made for the final transfer of the strategic waterway in 1999 and of ceding its operation to China - accusations that the Panamanian government has strongly denied. "We didn't give it to China. We gave it to Panama, and we're taking it back," Trump said in his inaugural address on Monday.

President Jose Raul Mulino responded on X on Monday that the Panama Canal "is and will continue to be Panamanian." Panama has also alerted the United Nations to Trump's remarks, in a letter seen by Reuters on Tuesday.

Read more: https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2025-01-23/rubio-to-visit-panama-source-says-amid-trump-push-to-take-back-canal

[MontanaMama]

1. This is a distraction.

We all need to be watching what the felon is doing when he says crazy shit like this.

[2naSalit]

4. I expect...

He'll be coming back with either his tail between his legs or a pitchfork up his ass. I'm sure they won't be impressed.



Definitely watch what they do.

[MontanaMama]

6. They're going to need a bigger

pitchfork.

[EarthFirst]

2. Deny him entry...

Fu*k him and the fools errand he was sent on.

[bucolic_frolic]

3. This is a missionary exploration. Pizarro would be proud. /nt

[homegirl]

5. Wondering why

Trump wants control of the Panama Canal. Maybe someone can confirm this for me...presently Panama does not permit Russia access to the Canal...If Trump can open the Canal to Russia he would be doing Russia a solid. True or False?

[travelingthrulife]

9. True. Traitor Trump is also being sued by Panama for non-payment of taxes

on one of his hotels there. He's an equal opportunity grifter.

[Mustellus]

7. Neither US Aircraft Carriers, nor 'SuperTankers' ...

.. fit through the canal. So yes, our naval forces will have to 'go around'.

But.. just a few small explosive charges at the lock doors... and you drain Lake Gatun... and Ta-Da... Trump doesn't get the canal.

Wonder if the Panamanians have thought of that one. Invade, and find a dry ditch.

[BumRushDaShow]

8. "But.. just a few small explosive charges at the lock doors... and you drain Lake Gatun... "

Climate change had ALREADY drained Lake Gatun...



https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/13/americas/panama-canal-water-levels-climate-intl-latam/index.html

https://www.democraticunderground.com/10143122079
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10143181262

More current - https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=62408


BUT.... there may be other reasons for "Panama" - https://www.democraticunderground.com/10143263541