We certainly respect the sovereignty of the Panamanians,” the U.S. defense secretary said before departing the country back to Washington.

U.S. Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth said on Wednesday he sees the Panama Canal as key terrain that Panama should secure together with the United States and not with China, adding it was important to protect it from "malign" influence.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the U.S. is partnering with Panama to secure the Panama Canal. Also, FBI Director Kash Patel was removed as Acting ATF Director. Independent Veterans of America founder and CEO and Iraq veteran Paul Rieckhoff joins Christina Ruffini to weigh in.