On February 2, 2025, Marco Rubio embarked on his inaugural overseas trip as U.S. Secretary of State, traveling to Panama amid heightened tensions surrounding President Donald Trump's controversial stance on the Panama Canal. Trump has threatened to seize the canal, claiming that China has gained excessive control through investments in surrounding ports.
During his inaugural address, Trump stated that the U.S. would be 'taking it back,' and he has not ruled out military action to enforce this claim. Rubio's mission includes discussions with Panamanian leaders, particularly President Jose Raul Mulino, who has firmly stated that negotiations regarding the canal are off the table, asserting, 'The canal is Panama's.'
In addition to Panama, Rubio is set to visit four other Latin American countries, focusing on migration issues, a departure from traditional diplomatic approaches that often emphasize cooperation with major allies. Trump's administration has also imposed significant tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, signaling a more aggressive U.S. foreign policy direction.
In a separate incident, a tragic plane crash in Philadelphia resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, including six Mexican nationals. The Learjet 55, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, crashed shortly after takeoff, prompting investigations by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board. Trump expressed condolences on his Truth Social platform, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the aviation industry.
Meanwhile, diplomatic relations between Colombia and the U.S. are under scrutiny, with France reevaluating its alliances in Latin America in light of recent tensions. French Ambassador Sylvain Itté emphasized the importance of Colombia as a strategic partner and the need for a reassessment of economic dependencies.