Secretary of State Marco Rubio has embarked on his first foreign trip since taking office, landing in Central America to address President Donald Trump's primary concern of reducing illegal immigration and to emphasize the U.S.'s desire to regain control over the Panama Canal, despite facing resistance from regional leaders.
This unconventional choice of destination for America's top diplomat underscores Rubio's personal interest in the region as the first Hispanic to hold this prestigious Cabinet position. It also reflects the Trump administration's strategy to concentrate a significant portion of its foreign policy efforts in the Western Hemisphere.
Rubio's visit aims to tackle critical issues such as limiting immigration, combating drug trafficking, and countering China's expanding influence in the region, particularly in the context of the Panama Canal. The canal, constructed by the U.S., was handed over to Panama in 1999, and Trump's call to reclaim ownership has been met with strong opposition from Panamanian leaders.
In his opinion piece in The Wall Street Journal, Rubio highlighted the disruptive impact of mass migration, drug trafficking, and the antagonistic policies of Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela in the region. He expressed concerns about China's leveraging of diplomatic and economic power, including its involvement in the Panama Canal, to undermine U.S. interests and exert control over sovereign nations.
Despite Panama's firm stance on retaining ownership of the canal, Rubio is set to convey Trump's intentions during his visit. The administration's concerns about Chinese investments in canal infrastructure and the potential security risks posed by China's presence in the region are key drivers behind the push to reassume control.
Rubio's itinerary includes stops in Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic, with discussions planned on shared interests such as migration and drug enforcement. The visit coincides with the U.S. resuming visa processing in Bogota, Colombia, following a temporary suspension due to a diplomatic dispute.
While previous secretaries of state often traveled with tangible outcomes to announce, Rubio's trip may be constrained by Trump's freeze on foreign assistance pending a comprehensive review. Exceptions are being made for critical programs in Latin America, including those focused on law enforcement, counternarcotics efforts, and migration control.
As Rubio engages with regional leaders and stakeholders, the focus remains on addressing pressing challenges in the Western Hemisphere and safeguarding U.S. interests in the face of evolving geopolitical dynamics.
