April 9, 2025 Hegseth Says U.S. Partnering With Panama to Secure Canal, Deter China Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced an expanded partnership between the U.S. and Panama to secure the Panama Canal in order to counter "China's maligned influence" in the region.
Feb. 13, 2025 Hegseth Tells NATO Hard Power Provides Deterrence, Defense Following a meeting of NATO defense ministers, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that America's allies must do more to defend Europe.