President Trump issued a bold directive for American ships to have free passage through the Panama and Suez Canals, threatening potential military action and citing U.S. engineering prowess as justification for reclaiming control amid growing Chinese influence.
Key Takeaways
- President Trump has demanded free transit for American commercial and military ships through both the Panama and Suez canals
- Trump has directed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to secure these transit benefits, citing that “those Canals would not exist without the United States of America”
- The President has expressed concern about Chinese influence over the Panama Canal and has not ruled out military action to ensure American control
- Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino has rejected Trump’s demands, stating the Panama Canal Authority independently regulates transit
- Both canals are crucial strategic waterways for global trade and military operations, with the Panama Canal currently experiencing Chinese pressure and the Suez Canal facing disruptions from Houthi attacks
Trump Asserts American Rights to Strategic Waterways
President Trump has taken a firm stance on securing American interests in vital global shipping lanes by demanding free passage for U.S. vessels through the Panama and Suez canals. In a clear message posted to Truth Social, Trump declared that American ships, both military and commercial, deserve unrestricted access through these critical waterways. This move represents a significant shift in foreign policy that prioritizes American strategic interests and pushes back against growing foreign influence in these crucial maritime chokepoints that facilitate billions in international trade.
“American ships, both military and commercial, should be allowed to travel, free of charge, through the Panama and Suez canals!” said President Donald Trump in his statement that has sent diplomatic ripples across multiple continents.
Trump further justified his position by highlighting America’s historical role in the creation of these engineering marvels. “Those Canals would not exist without the United States of America,” Trump wrote, before revealing he has tasked Secretary of State Marco Rubio with addressing the situation immediately. The Panama Canal, completed by the United States in 1914 after years of challenging construction work, was transferred to Panama in 1977 through treaties signed by President Jimmy Carter, a decision that many conservatives have long criticized as surrendering American assets and strategic advantages.
“Those Canals would not exist without the United States of America,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social late Saturday. “I’ve asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio to immediately take care of this situation.” said President Donald Trump, emphasizing the historical American investment in these crucial waterways.
China’s Growing Influence Sparks Security Concerns
At the heart of Trump’s concerns is the increasing Chinese influence over the Panama Canal, which remains one of the world’s most strategically important waterways. With approximately 6% of global maritime commerce passing through its locks each year, the canal’s control has enormous implications for military mobility and economic power. President Trump has specifically highlighted China’s growing presence in the region as a national security threat, suggesting that Beijing has been steadily expanding its control over canal operations and surrounding infrastructure projects.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been equally direct about American intentions, stating that U.S. warships should pass through “first, and free.” This statement underscores the administration’s view that American vessels deserve priority access to a canal built with American engineering expertise, American lives, and American taxpayer dollars. The push for free passage would save U.S. shipping companies and the military substantial sums, as current fees can range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars depending on vessel size and cargo.
Panama Pushes Back While Suez Faces Ongoing Threats
President José Raúl Mulino of Panama has firmly rejected Trump’s demands, asserting his country’s sovereignty over the canal. “There is no agreement to the contrary,” Mulino stated, emphasizing that the autonomous Panama Canal Authority regulates all transit matters. This standoff highlights the tension between American strategic interests and the sovereignty claims of Panama, which has governed the canal since the Carter-era treaties transferred control. The situation is further complicated by reports that Secretary Hegseth has suggested returning U.S. troops to Panama, a proposal that has been flatly rejected by Panamanian officials.
“There is no agreement to the contrary,” said José Raúl Mulino, President of Panama, rejecting Trump’s demands and asserting Panama’s control over the vital waterway.
Meanwhile, the situation at the Suez Canal presents different challenges. This vital Egyptian-controlled waterway has seen dramatic disruptions due to Houthi rebel attacks, which began in solidarity with Palestinians during the Israel-Gaza conflict. These attacks have forced many ships to detour around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, resulting in extended journey times and significantly higher costs. Egypt has reported a staggering 60% drop in canal revenues, amounting to approximately $7 billion in losses. The Trump administration has responded with intensified military operations against Houthi positions to secure this crucial maritime corridor and restore confidence in international shipping.
America First Maritime Strategy Takes Shape
President Trump’s demand for free passage through both canals represents a bold implementation of his America First policy on the global stage. By asserting U.S. rights to these strategic waterways, Trump is directly addressing the economic and security interests of American citizens. The high fees currently charged for passage through these canals are ultimately passed on to American consumers through higher prices for imported goods. Free passage would not only strengthen America’s military positioning but could also help combat inflation by reducing shipping costs for essential consumer goods.
Trump’s approach reflects a growing recognition that control of key maritime chokepoints will be crucial to maintaining American economic and military dominance in an increasingly multipolar world. With China actively pursuing its Belt and Road Initiative across the globe and seeking to establish alternative shipping routes, the American move to reassert influence over existing canals demonstrates strategic foresight. As Secretary Rubio begins diplomatic efforts to secure these transit benefits, it remains to be seen whether Panama and Egypt will negotiate new arrangements or if more assertive measures will be required to protect America’s rightful access to waterways its innovation and investment helped create.
