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Trump White House has asked U.S. military to develop options for the Panama Canal, officials say

www.nbcnews.com Trump White House has asked U.S. military to develop options for the Panama Canal, officials say

Potential plans range from partnering more closely with Panamanian security forces to a less likely option of U.S. troops' seizing the canal by force, U.S. officials told NBC News.

Trump White House has asked U.S. military to develop options for the Panama Canal, officials say

The White House has directed the U.S. military to draw up options for increasing the American troop presence in Panama to achieve President Trump’s goal of “reclaiming” the Panama Canal, according to two U.S. officials familiar with the planning.

During a joint address to Congress last week, Trump said, "to further enhance our national security, my administration will be reclaiming the Panama Canal.” Since then, administration officials have not said what "reclaiming" means.

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  • I wonder how far the military will follow orders... Do they have a line or will they just roll with whatever the commander in chief says?

    • That's my question too. If they're given orders to invade an ally, will they?

      • Honestly, this could be the best outcome for the country (and the world) if this happened - US military is ordered to invade Canada/Panama/Greenland, refuses, a coup d'etat takes place. I'd be very surprised if anyone outside of Trump's circle of influence wants to invade an ally, it's just way too crazy way too soon.