• Trump demands American ships should travel free of charge through Panama and Suez canals.
• He claims these strategic canals owe their existence to U.S. efforts.
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio tasked with addressing the situation immediately.
• Focus on reducing Chinese influence in the Panama Canal has been highlighted.

President Donald Trump has called for American military and commercial vessels to travel free of charge through the Panama and Suez canals. He stated, "American Ships, both Military and Commercial, should be allowed to travel, free of charge, through the Panama and Suez Canals!" directing Secretary of State Marco Rubio to "immediately take care of" the situation, according to Reuters, Bloomberg, and South China Morning Post.

Trump argued that both canals would not exist without U.S. involvement and have been crucial for global trade, emphasizing their historical significance. The Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, while the Suez Canal links Europe with Asia, integral for 10-12 percent of global trade, according to Le Monde, Channel News Asia, and The Hill.

In addition to advocating for free passage, Trump has emphasized the need for the U.S. to reassert control over the Panama Canal, arguing that its management has shifted under Chinese influence. The administration has taken steps to pressure Panama, enhancing discussions about U.S. naval and commercial interests in these critical maritime routes, as pointed out by India Times, Newsweek, and TRT Global.

With the Suez Canal facing challenges from Yemen's Houthi rebels that have caused disruptions, Trump's administration has indicated it will focus on protecting shipping lanes essential for global commerce, underscoring an uptick in military actions against these threats, according to India Times and South China Morning Post.