News

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth formally visited Panama last week, generating headlines and policy discussions worldwide.

But what he did away from the high-level meetings and speeches attracted attention.

The new Defense Secretary reportedly took advantage of the sunny Panama Bay to take a shirtless jog on the Cinta Costera. And nothing speaks to Panama’s relaxed, safe vibe than seeing the shirtless Secretary of Defense jobbing on the waterfront.

“The truth is that his presence has already left its mark… and not just in diplomatic terms,” MiDiario.com breathlessly reports. “The image of the shirtless Secretary, jogging in the sun, is already circulating on social media and has become a topic of conversation in cafes, chat rooms, and hallways.”

During his visit, Secretary Hegseth repeated the Trump Administration’s concern about China’s influence over the Panama Canal. But he also took time to praise the ongoing relationship with Panama. He credited Panama President José Raúl Mulino for improving security cooperation between the two countries.

“You [Mulino] and your country’s hard work is making a difference,” he posted on X.. “Increased security cooperation will make both our nations safer, stronger, and more prosperous.”

Secretary Hegseth was in Panama to participate in the Central American Security Conference (Centsec), an event co-hosted by the United States and Panama. While the Canal made headlines, several other regional issues were addressed, including regional security, migration, and bilateral cooperation.