![U.S. vessels to receive unique privileges under Trump's decision. [No photo provided]](/en/img/2025/04/28/1220440/jpeg/4-3/1200/75/image-description.webp)
Trump Pushes for Free Passage of US Ships Through Panama and Suez Canals
Unitary Ships Traversing Panama, Suez Canal: Exemption for American Vessels under Trump's Decision - Trump Advocates for Unrestricted Navigation for U.S. Vessels through Panama Canal and Suez Canal
Get ready for some bold moves! Former US President, Donald Trump, is all about shaking things up. He's demanding free passage for American ships through the Panama and Suez Canals. That goes for both military and commercial vessels, he declared on his social media platform Truth Social. "Why should these canals get all the benefits, when they wouldn't exist without the USA?" he exclaims, urging his former Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, to tackle this issue immediately.
Trump's latest demand comes shortly after he secured a deal regarding greater US influence over the Panama Canal. As part of an agreement with Panama, US troops will now be stationed around this vital waterway. There have been talks between Panama and the US about free and priority passage for US warships through the Panama Canal.
The Panama Canal has been on Trump's radar for a while now. He's been threatening to reclaim it, arguing that the USA is being treated unfairly. The canal was originally built by the US Army Corps of Engineers at the dawn of the 20th century. On December 31, 1999, the control of the canal was handed over to Panama.
The Suez Canal is located in Egypt and links the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea. It shortens the sea route between Europe and Asia, making it one of the world's most important trade routes. Built under the guidance of French diplomat and engineer Ferdinand de Lesseps, the canal took a decade to construct, with tens of thousands of Egyptian workers toiling under harsh conditions. The canal was inaugurated in November 1869.
Trump's argument revolves around historical US contributions to these waterways. He believes that the substantial tolls paid by US vessels using the Panama Canal justify fee waivers. Trump points to the economic significance of these canals to American shippers like Maersk and energy exporters as further justification.
However, the proposal could escalate tensions with Egypt and Panama, especially given that Panama recently sealed a $23 billion port deal with BlackRock. As of late April 2025, Trump's demand remains just that—a declarative policy demand without solid implementation details or agreements.
- Donald Trump
- A bold, disruptive leader with big plans
- Ship
- The lifeblood of international commerce
- Suez Canal
- A vital connection between Europe and Asia
- Panama
- A crucial waterway, rich in history
- US President
- A position that comes with powerful privileges
- USA
- A major player in global economy and politics
- Panama Canal
- A contested symbol of US-Panama relations
- Marco Rubio
- A political figure tasked with implementing Trump's demands
- Republican
- The political party Trump represents
- Amidst Trump's push for free passage of US ships through the Panama and Suez Canals, he has called upon his successor, Marco Rubio, a Republican, to expedite measures for this demand.
- Trump's argument for free passage is rooted in historical contributions and the economic importance of these canals to American industries like shipping company Maersk and energy exporters.
- The former US President, Donald Trump, aims to revisit the Panama Canal, contending that the country is unfairly treated, given its American origins.
- The Commission, presumably a governing body, has also been tasked with proposing a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, ensuring safety in the context of potential increases in maritime activities due to Trump's proposed policy changes.
