President Donald Trump is once again putting America First — demanding that U.S. ships be granted free passage through the Panama and Suez Canals to defend national security and U.S. economic interests. His strong leadership comes at a critical time as foreign threats, including Chinese influence, loom over vital global shipping routes.
Trump Blasts Past Leadership Over Panama Canal Giveaway
In a recent post on Truth Social, President Trump sharply criticized former President Jimmy Carter’s decision to hand over the Panama Canal to Panama decades ago. Trump labeled it “a very big mistake” that cost the United States “the equivalent of a trillion dollars.”
He has made it clear: if necessary, the United States must “take it back.”
The Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and the Suez Canal, linking the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, are two of the world’s most important waterways — and President Trump believes American ships should move through them freely, without facing unfair fees.
President Trump: “American Ships Should Travel Free of Charge”
“American Ships, both Military and Commercial, should be allowed to travel, free of charge, through the Panama and Suez Canals!” Trump wrote.
“Those canals would not even exist without the United States of America. I’ve instructed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to immediately take action to formalize this matter!”
The bold move comes as part of Trump’s broader America First agenda, focusing on restoring U.S. sovereignty, protecting American commerce, and pushing back against rising global threats.
Growing Concerns Over Chinese Influence in the Panama Canal
Trump and top members of his administration have raised alarms about China’s growing presence around the Panama Canal.
Despite denials from Panamanian authorities, reports show that China-linked companies continue to control critical port infrastructure on both ends of the canal, raising major national security concerns.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned earlier this year:
“China-based companies have the ability to conduct surveillance activities across Panama. This undermines the security, prosperity, and sovereignty of both Panama and the United States. As President Donald Trump has pointed out, this situation is unacceptable.”
Marco Rubio Takes Action to Defend U.S. Interests
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a trusted ally of President Trump, has been aggressively working to defend American interests.
Following his visit to Panama, the country announced its withdrawal from China’s controversial Belt and Road Initiative — a huge victory for U.S. foreign policy under Trump’s leadership.
Rubio told Fox News:
“I’m proud to say that during my visit — on the very same day — Panama became the first nation in the Western Hemisphere to break away from the Belt and Road Initiative. And even more positive developments are on the horizon.”
What Comes Next for America and the Panama Canal?
The Panama Canal Authority is expected to issue a formal response to President Trump’s demands in the coming days. Meanwhile, Secretary Rubio continues leading diplomatic efforts to ensure America’s access to critical shipping lanes remains protected — without interference from foreign adversaries.
As President Trump has made clear, America will no longer be taken advantage of. The fight for America’s sovereignty and prosperity continues — and under Trump’s leadership, the United States is back on the offense.