Egypt Daily News – U.S. President Donald Trump said Saturday that American military and commercial vessels should be allowed to pass through the Panama and Suez Canals without paying fees.
“I’ve directed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to immediately address and formalize this matter,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.
The Panama Canal, which links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans across the narrowest stretch of land between North and South America, handles roughly 40% of U.S. container traffic annually. Though the United States built the canal in the early 20th century, it handed over control to Panama in 1999.
Trump has repeatedly stated his desire to “take back” the canal. Prior to assuming office in January, he told reporters he would not rule out using economic or military means to regain control of the strategic waterway.
