Donald Trump demands ‘free’ transit for US ships through Panama, Suez canals

US President Donald Trump on Saturday called for American military and commercial vessels to be granted free passage through the Panama and Suez canals, directing Secretary of State Marco Rubio to act on the issue "immediately."
"American Ships, both Military and Commercial, should be allowed to travel, free of charge, through the Panama and Suez Canals!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. He argued that both strategic waterways would "not exist" without US involvement and said he had instructed Rubio to "immediately take care of" the matter.

Trump has repeatedly advocated for greater US control over the Panama Canal in recent months. His latest comments also expanded focus to the Suez Canal, a crucial link between Europe and Asia that previously accounted for about 10 percent of global maritime trade before security threats disrupted operations.

Attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes by Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels have forced vessels to divert around Africa’s southern tip, causing major delays and financial losses. The rebels began targeting ships following the outbreak of the Gaza war, claiming to support Palestinians.
Egypt reported a 60 percent drop in Suez Canal revenue last year, resulting in a loss of $7 billion. Meanwhile, US military strikes against Huthi positions have intensified under Trump’s leadership, escalating to near-daily assaults over the past month. Trump has pledged that military operations will continue "until the Huthis are no longer a threat to shipping."