Trump Proposes Exempting US Vessels from Fees in Panama and Suez Canals | Donald Trump

Donald Trump has called for free passage for American military and commercial ships through the Panama and Suez canals, asking his secretary of state, Marco Rubio, to address the issue immediately. He asserted that both routes would not exist without the US and claimed that American ships should travel through these canals without charge. The Panamanian president, Jose Raul Mulino, responded by stating that toll fees are regulated by the Panama Canal Authority and that there is no agreement to waive these fees. The US defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, also mentioned during a visit to Panama City that the US is seeking an agreement for free passage of its warships and even suggested the possibility of US troops returning to Panama to secure the canal, an idea which was quickly rejected by Panama’s government. Both the US and China are major users of the canal system. Additionally, Egypt’s Suez canal, a crucial link between Europe and Asia, has been the target of attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, leading to a significant drop in revenues for Egypt and forcing ships to take a longer and more costly route around the southern tip of Africa. The US military has been conducting strikes against Houthi positions since January 2024, with Trump stating that military action will continue until the Houthis no longer pose a threat to shipping.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/27/trump-says-us-ships-should-have-free-use-of-panama-and-suez-canals