U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday called for American military and commercial vessels to be allowed free passage through the Panama and Suez Canals.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump announced, “I’ve asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio to immediately address and formalize this situation.”

The Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans across the narrowest stretch of Central America, is a crucial global shipping route, handling about 40% of U.S. container traffic each year. Though originally constructed by the United States in the early 20th century, the canal was transferred to Panamanian control in 1999.

Trump has long expressed frustration over that handover, often suggesting that the U.S. should “take back” the canal. Even before entering politics, he floated the possibility of using economic pressure—or even military force—to reclaim control over the strategic waterway.

Trump’s latest call adds fresh tension to an already complex international maritime landscape, as global shipping routes face increasing geopolitical scrutiny.