Trump says US ships should have free use of Panama and Suez canals

Donald Trump has called on the U.S. to facilitate free transit through the Panama and Suez canals, with his secretary of state tasked with making progress immediately. He has emphasized both routes' importance, including a shift in focus from the Panama canal to the more critical Suez route for American ships. While Panamanian officials dismissed claims about toll-free access being dependent on U.S. control, U.S. officials have sought an agreement allowing warships and even troops to pass through freely, amid ongoing tensions with Houthi rebels in Yemen.