U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he believes American military and commercial ships should be allowed free passage through both the Panama and Suez canals. In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to address and formalize this issue promptly. The Panama Canal, which traverses the narrowest part of the isthmus between North and South America, significantly facilitates maritime travel by allowing ships to navigate more efficiently between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It is a crucial route, with around 40% of U.S. container traffic transiting through this waterway each year.
Although the United States completed the construction of the canal in the early 20th century, it ceded control to Panama in 1999, a move that has often been revisited in political discourse. Trump has been vocal about his desire to “take back” the canal. Prior to assuming the presidency in January, he indicated that he would consider using both economic and military means to regain control over this strategically significant passageway. His perspective highlights a broader concern regarding U.S. interests in major international shipping routes and the implications for national security and trade.
As discussions surrounding maritime policies continue, Trump’s statements prompt reflection on the historical context of the Panama Canal, its impact on global shipping, and the dynamics of U.S. relations with Panama and other countries regarding control of vital trade routes.