Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that American military and commercial ships should be allowed to pass through the Panama Canal and the Suez Canal without paying any fees.
“I’ve asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio to immediately take care of, and memorialize, this situation,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social, signaling his administration’s intention to address the issue swiftly.
The Panama Canal, a crucial maritime shortcut, connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans by crossing the narrowest stretch of land between North and South America. The waterway is a vital trade route, handling approximately 40% of U.S. container traffic each year.
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The United States completed the construction of the Panama Canal in the early 20th century, but formally handed control of the strategically important passage to Panama in 1999.
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Trump has consistently emphasized his desire to “take back” the canal. Before assuming office in January, he told reporters that he would not rule out employing economic or military measures to regain control over the canal.
