U.S. Plans to Increase Military Presence in Panama

Two United States government officials reportedly told nbc News that the White House has ordered the U.S. military to make plans for an increased troop presence in Panama as part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s strategy for “reclaiming” the Panama Canal.

• The unnamed officials added that though a forceful seizure of the canal was being considered, it “would come under serious consideration only if a larger American military presence in Panama does not achieve Trump’s goal of reclaiming the waterway.”
• U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is expected to visit Panama next month.

Reclaiming: In his joint address to Congress on March 4, President Trump said, “[T]o further enhance our national security, my administration will be reclaiming the Panama Canal.” The Trump administration hasn’t specified what “reclaiming” means, but the president has not ruled out the possibility of using military force.

Chinese control: In his campaign for the presidency, Mr. Trump emphasized the need to retrieve control of the Panama Canal, expressing serious concern over the Chinese having control of both ends of the canal.

In 1977, President Jimmy Carter signed a treaty returning the canal to Panama’s control, in exchange for its permanent neutrality. Panama did not abide by this agreement, but instead allowed the Chinese control of the ports of Balboa and Cristobal.

Earlier this month, a U.S. firm bought two of the canal’s main ports from Chinese company CK Hutchison Holdings. But the latest news suggests this is not enough for Mr. Trump to consider the canal “reclaimed” by the U.S.

A blessing: God gave the United States and Britain control over the world’s vital sea lanes, as the Bible prophesied in Deuteronomy 28:52. (Request a copy of The United States and Britain in Prophecy to understand this subject.) But because of national sins, these nations in recent years have suffered hard affliction from enemies both within and without their countries, including the loss of these strategic sea “gates,” as the Bible refers to them.

Resurgence: However, the Bible prophesies of a temporary resurgence under President Trump, when God gives the nation a final opportunity to repent of their sins and be blessed for obedience.

In a feature article for the March Trumpet issue, Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry wrote:

God might give this gate back to America. I would not be shocked to see that happen because of all the miracles that took place during Donald Trump’s political campaign. … Bible prophecy even tells you that this man would war his way back (2 Kings 14:28). Will this warring include the recovery of the Panama Canal?

Learn more: Read Mr. Flurry’s full article “How America Won and Lost the Panama Canal.”