U.S. President Donald Trump has called for toll-free passage for American military and commercial vessels through the Panama and Suez Canals, arguing that the strategic waterways owe their operations to U.S. support and influence.
In a post on his platform, Truth Social, Trump stated that American ships “should not pay tolls” to use either canal and claimed, “They wouldn’t exist without America.” He added that he had directed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to “immediately address the situation.”
Foreign media reports indicate Trump’s remarks come amid growing concerns over global shipping disruptions caused by Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea, which have forced many commercial vessels to reroute, avoiding the Suez Canal and adding billions in costs.
Responding to Trump’s comments, Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino, without naming Trump directly, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that toll rates for the Panama Canal are managed by the Panama Canal Authority (ACP), an autonomous entity. “There is no agreement to the contrary,” he stated.
Earlier this month, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth visited Panama City, where he confirmed Washington is seeking a deal to grant American warships priority and toll-free passage through the canal.
Trump also expanded his demands to include Egypt’s Suez Canal, claiming that it, too, depends on U.S. support to remain operational. “Neither the Panama nor the Suez Canal could function without America,” he said, urging Secretary Rubio to take swift diplomatic action.
The Suez Canal, which once facilitated about 10% of global maritime trade, has seen a steep decline in traffic and revenues. Following Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in solidarity with Palestinians amid the Gaza conflict, many shipping lines have opted for the longer, more expensive route around the Cape of Good Hope. Egypt recently reported a 60% drop in canal revenues—amounting to an estimated $7 billion loss.
Since early 2024, U.S. forces have been engaged in regular strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. Under Trump’s renewed leadership, the intensity of these operations has reportedly increased, with near-daily strikes carried out in recent weeks.
Trump has vowed to maintain military pressure, stating operations will continue as long as the Houthis pose a threat to international shipping lanes.
