In a bold move to protect America’s interests, President Donald Trump is calling for U.S. military and commercial ships to travel freely — without paying fees — through the Panama and Suez Canals, two of the world’s most critical shipping routes.
Taking to Truth Social, Trump made it clear that America’s role in creating and maintaining these crucial waterways should not be forgotten — and certainly shouldn’t come with a price tag for American vessels.
“American Ships, both Military and Commercial, should be allowed to travel, free of charge, through the Panama and Suez Canals!” Trump posted. “Those Canals would not exist without the United States of America. I’ve asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio to immediately take care of, and memorialize, this situation!”
Trump’s demand comes at a time when tensions over control and influence around these canals are rising — and he’s making sure the United States asserts its rightful place.
The Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, was built by the United States in the early 1900s. It played a crucial role in American commerce and military strength for nearly a century before it was handed over to Panama in the late 1990s under an agreement signed by President Jimmy Carter — a decision that many conservatives still view as a mistake.
Now, China has been investing heavily in projects tied to the Panama Canal, raising serious concerns about Beijing’s growing influence over a waterway that sees over 40% of U.S. maritime trade. Experts have warned that if China gains more control, they could potentially restrict U.S. access — a move that would be devastating to America’s economy and national security.
In fact, back in December 2024, Trump had already sounded the alarm, threatening to retake the Panama Canal if Panama continued to rip off the U.S. with what he described as “exorbitant” fees.
At that time, Trump emphasized the importance of the canal to America’s security and economy:
“The Panama Canal is considered a VITAL National Asset for the United States, due to its critical role to America’s Economy and National Security,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “A secure Panama Canal is crucial for U.S. Commerce, and rapid deployment of the Navy, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and drastically cuts shipping times to U.S. ports.”
Earlier this month, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth traveled to Panama and announced promising news during a press conference:
The United States and Panama are set to sign a declaration allowing U.S. warships and auxiliary ships to pass through the canal “first and free.”
That’s a major step forward — but Trump clearly wants this principle extended beyond just military ships to include all American commercial vessels too.
Given America’s historic role in building and defending the Panama Canal, and the risks now posed by foreign powers like China, Trump’s call for free passage is about protecting U.S. strength, ensuring economic security, and reasserting America’s rightful leadership.
While Democrats and the media might scoff, real conservatives know that strong leadership on the world stage matters. President Trump’s America First approach isn’t just about tough talk — it’s about standing up for the country that built these global assets in the first place.
With Trump pressing the issue and Secretary of State Marco Rubio now officially tasked with handling it, American ships could soon be sailing free — the way it should have always been.
