Fox News senior strategic analyst, Gen. Jack Keane (ret.), discussed several international issues, including efforts to establish a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, Iran’s warning of a strong response to potential U.S. actions, and China’s involvement in the sale of Panama Canal ports.
Former President Donald Trump advocated for free access for U.S. ships through the Panama and Suez Canals, suggesting it could save American companies significant amounts annually. On Truth Social, he stated that American military and commercial ships should travel free of charge, as these canals would not exist without U.S. contributions. He has tasked Secretary of State Marco Rubio with addressing this situation.
According to the Panama Canal Authority, the canal processes approximately 14,000 transits annually. The canal generated about $3.3 billion in toll revenues for the fiscal year 2023, with U.S. vessels comprising around 70% of the traffic. Major American shipping companies are significant users of the canal.
The Panama Canal’s transit costs for commercial vessels range from $200,000 to $450,000, varying by ship size and cargo. Tolls for certain vessels, like liquefied natural gas carriers, can exceed $500,000 per transit. The Suez Canal also reports high fees, recording $9.4 billion in revenues in 2023, partly driven by U.S. and European shipping.
In early 2025, following increased threats in Red Sea shipping lanes, Trump authorized military action targeting Houthi-controlled areas to safeguard navigation towards the Suez Canal. U.S. forces conducted targeted strikes to neutralize these threats, aiming to restore safe commercial shipping.
Trump’s initiatives in Central America include enhancing security around the Panama Canal to counteract Chinese influence. On April 9, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced an expanded U.S.-Panama partnership to secure the canal, ensuring U.S. warships and support vessels receive priority access.
Historically, the Panama Canal was constructed and controlled by the U.S., beginning with efforts led by President Theodore Roosevelt. Control was transferred to Panama in 1999 under the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, but the canal remains crucial to U.S. trade, as about 40% of U.S. container traffic utilizes it annually.
Trump’s proposal could benefit U.S. industries reliant on maritime trade, including the energy, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors. It is yet to be determined how Secretary of State Marco Rubio will proceed with this directive, whether through diplomatic channels, economic strategies, or negotiations with Panama and Egypt.
