Trump Calls for Free Passage of U.S. Ships Through Panama and Suez Canals

U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that American military and commercial ships should be allowed to pass through both the Panama Canal and the Suez Canal free of charge.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump mentioned that he had instructed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to address and formalize the issue immediately.

The Panama Canal, which crosses the narrowest part of the isthmus between North and South America, facilitates quicker travel between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It handles about 40% of U.S. container traffic each year. Although the U.S. completed its construction in the early 20th century, control of the strategically significant waterway was handed over to Panama in 1999.

Trump has previously indicated his desire to “take back” control of the canal.