Egypt Daily News – Egyptian politicians and diplomats have criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s call to waive transit fees for American ships passing through the Suez Canal.
They described Trump’s remarks as “politically inappropriate and disconnected from reality,” stressing that it is illogical for such statements to come from a global power like the United States.
“Not a Tax”
Ambassador Gamal Bayoumi, former Assistant Foreign Minister of Egypt, dismissed Trump’s statements as “irrational” and inconsistent with international agreements—especially the Constantinople Convention, which governs navigation through the Suez Canal—as well as global trade protocols, which require non-discrimination under most-favored-nation principles.
Bayoumi, a member of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs, told 24 that Suez Canal fees are not a form of “taxation” as President Trump seemed to suggest, but are payments for services provided to ships passing through the canal. He added that the U.S. does not protect the Suez or Panama canals from threats in a way that would justify free access for its vessels.
He emphasized that Egypt ensures the safety of ships passing through the canal and urged clarification to Trump that his suggestion cannot be implemented without violating international laws and treaties.
The number of vessels transiting the Suez Canal dropped by 50% last year, totaling 13,213 ships, while canal revenues declined by 61% to $3.991 billion.
Defending Egyptian Sovereignty
Ilaria Haris, a member of Egypt’s House of Representatives Foreign Relations Committee, said Trump’s comments were politically inappropriate and reflect a lack of understanding of international relations, which are based on mutual respect and shared interests.
In an official statement, Haris affirmed Egypt’s commitment to defending its rights and sovereignty, stating that any remarks that do not respect Egyptian sovereignty will be outright rejected. She highlighted that Egypt’s political leadership consistently works to protect national interests without compromising its rights. As an example, she cited Egypt’s firm refusal to allow the relocation of Palestinians to Sinai, which she said clearly demonstrates the independence of Egyptian decision-making.
She added that Egypt has repeatedly shown its ability to protect its sovereignty and interests and will continue to resist any attempts to interfere in its internal or external affairs. Remarks like Trump’s, she said, are irresponsible and disrespectful and those who make them should bear the consequences.
President Trump had posted on his social media platform “Truth Social” that, “American ships—military and commercial alike—should be allowed to pass through both the Panama and Suez canals for free! These canals wouldn’t exist without the United States of America.”
