Trump Calls for Free Passage for U.S. Ships Through Panama and Suez Canals

In a newly released post on Truth Social, former President Donald Trump expressed his stance that all U.S. military and commercial ships should be allowed free passage through the Panama and Suez Canals. Highlighting the importance of these waterways, Trump stated, "Those Canals would not exist without the United States of America," assigning significant value to U.S. influence in international maritime operations. His remarks come as he continues to rally support among his base regarding perceived threats posed by China's presence in global trade channels, notably in relation to the Panama Canal. Historically, the Panama Canal, which serves as a critical link between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, has facilitated about 40% of U.S. container traffic. Its construction, completed by the U.S. in 1914, was a feat of engineering that drastically reduced travel time for shipping goods. Control of the canal was handed over to Panama in 1999, following a long-standing treaty initiated by President Jimmy Carter. Trump, who has consistently criticized the transfer of control, claims that it was a strategic mistake and has suggested the possibility of reclaiming the canal through economic or military means. Trump's recent comments signal a continued theme in his rhetoric regarding China’s influence over global trade infrastructure and concern over national security, a narrative echoed by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who previously cited concerns about Chinese companies controlling key assets near the canal. This idea resonates among his supporters as they perceive an existential threat from China's growing global reach. With Secretary of State Marco Rubio now attuned to this situation, it will be interesting to observe any policy implications or governmental responses to Trump's assertive positioning on U.S. maritime sovereignty. In a geopolitical landscape increasingly shaped by strategic partnerships and competition, the U.S.'s engagement with Panama and the broader South American region could undergo significant scrutiny. Today's post from Trump might not only be a rallying cry to his political base but a precursor to potential shifts in policy that could influence the trade dynamics between the U.S. and other major players on the global stage. As we await feedback from the Canal authorities and further statements from Rubio, the continuation of these discussions serves as a reminder of how historical decisions resonate in the present and how current leaders navigate complex international relations.