section_path: Foreign policy/Expansionism/Panama Canal
section_name: Panama Canal
paragraph_text: Panama Canal
  
  In 2024, Trump demanded that Panama return control of the Panama Canal to the United States due to 'excessive rates' being charged for American passage. The United States previously was in control of the Panama Canal Zone from 1903 until 1999, and has invaded Panama before in 1989. Trump told Congress in March 2025 that his administration "will be reclaiming the Panama Canal". Also that month, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth instructed the Trump administration to "immediately" present "credible military options to ensure fair and unfettered US military and commercial access to the Panama Canal".