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.

Trump demands U.S. ships travel free through Panama and Suez canals, citing America's role in building and protecting the world's key shipping routes.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump pushed for free passage of American ships through the Panama and Suez Canals, tasking Secretary of State Marco Rubio to address the matter. He reiterated his desire to 'take back' the Panama Canal,