The former president is demanding that US warships and commercial ships be allowed free passage through the Panama and Suez Canals.
Donald Trump has stated that the United States is essential to the existence of both the Panama and Suez Canals, and therefore, American commercial and military vessels should be allowed to use them without charge.
Trump has repeatedly voiced his desire to regain control of the Panama Canal, suggesting the use of economic or military means if necessary. His concerns about protecting American national security from Chinese competition now extend to the Suez Canal, a key waterway connecting the Mediterranean and Red Seas.
In a Truth Social post, Trump declared that American ships, both military and commercial, should be able to pass through the Panama and Suez Canals without payment, arguing that the canals owe their existence to the United States.
Trump added that he has instructed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to address and formalize this demand immediately.
Panamanian officials have previously refuted Trump’s claims and threats. The Panama Canal Authority insists that the canal is operated exclusively by Panamanians, dismissing any claims of Chinese control. President Jose Raul Mulino has affirmed that the canal is an integral part of Panama’s heritage and that the country maintains full control over its operations.
However, following Rubio’s delivery of Trump’s ultimatum to Panama in February, Mulino conceded to Washington by declining to renew Panama’s 2017 agreements with China under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Earlier this month, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the deployment of multiple US Navy vessels, Coast Guard assets, and aircraft in and around Panama as part of efforts to strengthen defense and security ties between the two countries.
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