Trump threatens Panama and Egypt: “Pay up with free passage, or else.”
President Trump has ignited a firestorm of international controversy by demanding that American ships, both military and commercial, should be allowed to travel through the Panama and Suez canals free of charge. The President’s declaration comes with a not-so-subtle implication of consequences should his demands be ignored. Trump has directed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to “immediately take care of this situation,” while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been pushing for “first, and free” passage for US military vessels. Panama’s president has already pushed back, setting the stage for a potential international standoff.
America Built It, America Should Use It Free
In classic Trump fashion, the President cut straight to the heart of his rationale with a blunt declaration on Truth Social: “Those Canals would not exist without the United States of America.” And frankly, he’s not wrong. The Panama Canal was quite literally built by American ingenuity, American dollars, and American lives in the early 1900s. It was only handed over to Panama in 1977 as part of the Carter administration’s apparent mission to give away American assets. Now, Panama charges exorbitant fees for vessels to pass through what we built. It’s like building a house, giving it away, and then being charged admission every time you want to visit.
The President’s frustration isn’t just about money—it’s about principle and respect. The United States has been the guarantor of free navigation globally for decades. Our Navy ensures that shipping lanes remain open, benefiting every nation on Earth. Yet when our own ships need to pass through these critical waterways, we’re handed a bill that would make your eyes water. The hypocrisy would be laughable if it weren’t so expensive for American taxpayers and businesses.
Panama’s Pushback and China’s Creeping Influence
Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino has already started pushing back, stating bluntly: “There is no agreement to the contrary.” Essentially telling the United States that we need to keep paying up like everyone else. This kind of ingratitude is stunning considering the canal’s very existence is thanks to American engineering and investment. But what’s even more concerning is what Trump pointed out about China’s increasing influence over the canal. While America is busy paying premium prices for passage, Beijing is quietly expanding its control over this strategic chokepoint.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has already floated the idea of returning U.S. troops to Panama, which was swiftly rejected by Panama’s government. This hostile response to a reasonable security suggestion speaks volumes about the current relationship. With China and the U.S. being major users of the canal, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Panama is happy to take Beijing’s money while forgetting who their real friends are. Trump is simply calling out this reality and demanding fair treatment for the nation that made the canal possible.
The Suez Situation: Global Trade in Peril
The Suez Canal situation is equally concerning but for different reasons. While we didn’t build this one, American naval power has been critical in keeping it open and safe. With Houthi rebels attacking shipping in a misguided show of solidarity with Palestinians, the canal has seen shipping traffic plummet. Egypt has reportedly lost a staggering $7 billion in revenue—a 60% drop—as ships reroute around Africa. The U.S. military has been hitting Houthi positions to protect international shipping, effectively subsidizing Egypt’s canal business with American firepower.
“American ships, both military and commercial, should be allowed to travel, free of charge, through the Panama and Suez canals!” – Donald Trump
Yet when American ships need to use the canal that we’re protecting, we still get charged premium rates. It’s a perfect example of how the United States keeps getting the short end of the stick in international relations. Trump is simply saying what many Americans have thought for decades: if we’re providing the security that keeps these waterways open, the least these countries could do is let our ships pass through without nickel-and-diming us to death. It’s not just about the money—it’s about respect for America’s role in maintaining global order.
America First Maritime Policy
What Trump is proposing isn’t radical—it’s an America First maritime policy that acknowledges reality. These canals are vital for global trade and military operations, cutting thousands of miles off journeys that would otherwise go around entire continents. The United States protects global shipping, upholds freedom of navigation, and combats piracy worldwide. All we’re asking for is a little consideration in return. If these countries want to continue benefiting from American security guarantees, they should be willing to give something back.
Trump’s critics will scream about bullying smaller nations or threatening international norms. But where were these concerns when American taxpayers were footing the bill for global security while our own ships get charged premium rates? Trump is simply doing what he does best: negotiating better deals for America. Whether Panama and Egypt will listen remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—the days of taking the United States for granted are coming to an end. It’s about time someone stood up for American interests.
