Trump has said repeatedly that he wants to "take back" the Panama canal. Before taking office in January, he said that he would not rule out using economic or military force to regain control over the canal.

United States President Donald Trump said U.S. military and commercial ships should be allowed to travel free of charge through the Panama and Suez canals, two strategic routes for global trade and military operations.

President Donald Trump issued a demand regarding American naval units. In a message on the Truth Social platform, he instructed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to immediately address the issue of ensuring free access to the Panama and Suez Canals for the American fleet and navy.