Trump Sets Sights on Suez and Panama, Demands Free Passage for U.S. Ships

President Donald Trump on Saturday demanded that Egypt allow free passage for American military and commercial ships through the Suez Canal, while also repeating demands for free passage through the Panama Canal.

Posting on Truth Social, Trump stated, "American ships, both military and commercial, should be allowed to travel free of charge, through the Panama and Suez Canals!" Trump also claimed that "both canals would not exist without the United States," though historically, while the U.S. did construct the Panama Canal, it played no role in the creation of the Suez Canal.

The Trump Administration recently signed an agreement with Panama permitting U.S. forces to redeploy to former American military bases along the canal, including the deployment of U.S. fighter jets and Marines. However, Panama has so far refused Washington’s requests for free passage through the canal.

The Suez Canal situation presents a different challenge. The canal is located far from U.S. territory, and unlike Panama, there is no historical precedent of American control or military presence there.

Tensions between Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi have been rising since Trump’s return to office in January. Trump previously threatened to cut off U.S. military and economic aid to Egypt over Cairo’s refusal to facilitate the displacement of the Palestinian population from Gaza.

Currently, only about 3% of U.S. trade passes through the Suez Canal. Moreover, under existing agreements, U.S. warships already enjoy special transit privileges, needing only a three-day notification period compared to the standard ten days required for other nations.

Since retaking the presidency, Trump has made it a priority to establish greater U.S. control or influence over strategic global chokepoints. In addition to the Panama and Suez canals, Trump has repeatedly mentioned the need for U.S. control over Greenland and has publicly called for Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan to be returned to American hands.