Fri Jan 24 06:16:56 UTC 2025: ## New US Secretary of State’s First Trip Focuses on Central America and Panama Canal Concerns
**Washington, D.C., January 24, 2025** – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s first international trip will focus on Central America, with a particular emphasis on addressing concerns regarding the Panama Canal and curbing migration. The trip, beginning late next week, will include visits to Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic.
Rubio, the first Hispanic and fluent Spanish-speaking Secretary of State, has prioritized President Donald Trump’s hardline stance on migration from Central America. This trip underscores the administration’s commitment to this issue, according to State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce.
The visit comes amidst heightened tensions surrounding the Panama Canal. President Trump has threatened to seize the canal, prompting Panama to file a complaint with the United Nations. While Rubio did not advocate for military action during his confirmation hearing, he expressed serious concerns about growing Chinese influence in the region. Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino has firmly stated that the canal remains under Panamanian control.
The trip also reflects the administration’s approach to dealing with individual Central American nations. While El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele’s hardline stance on crime has found favor with some within the Trump administration, the Biden administration previously held concerns about human rights issues. Conversely, Rubio’s visit to Guatemala is seen as a continuation of support for President Bernardo Arevalo, an anti-corruption advocate who won a significant election victory in 2023.
Rubio’s emphasis on curbing migration through enforcement mirrors President Trump’s policies, marking a departure from the Biden administration’s approach which focused on addressing the root causes of migration. He has vowed to halt State Department initiatives that encourage mass migration.
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