US strips millions in military aid from Europe and Mideast to back Trump-aligned nations in Americas
- The Trump administration is reprogramming $52 million in U.S. military aid from Slovakia, North Macedonia, Tunisia and Iraq to Panama, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia.
- Officials say the funds will target narcotics, “narcoterrorism” and security around the Panama Canal; Secretary Marco Rubio recently pledged more support during visits to Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.
- The move signals a shift away from Europe (including NATO partners) toward the Western Hemisphere and aligns with courting conservative Latin American governments amid concern about rivals like China gaining influence.