| Published May 2, 2025
President Donald Trump requested that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi grant American military and commercial vessels free passage through the Suez Canal. This request was made in the context of the U.S. military’s ongoing campaign against Houthi rebels in Yemen, which has aimed to secure Red Sea shipping lanes. Trump argued that, given the U.S.’s efforts to protect these vital maritime routes, Egypt should reciprocate by waiving transit fees for U.S. ships. Additionally, he sought Egyptian military or financial support for the campaign against the Houthis. President Sisi, however, advocated for a ceasefire in Gaza as a means to deescalate regional tensions and improve navigation conditions in the Red Sea.
From a conservative perspective, this move by President Trump can be seen as a strategic assertion of American interests. It reflects a transactional approach to foreign policy, where U.S. military involvement abroad is leveraged to obtain tangible benefits, such as economic concessions or strategic advantages. This aligns with a broader “America First” doctrine, emphasizing that U.S. engagement in international conflicts should yield direct returns for the nation.
Critics, however, may view this approach as coercive, potentially straining diplomatic relations and undermining longstanding alliances. The demand for free passage through the Suez Canal, a critical economic asset for Egypt, could be perceived as an overreach, challenging the sovereignty of a key regional partner.
President Trump’s demand that Egypt allow free U.S. military and commercial passage through the Suez Canal — in exchange for America’s military action securing Red Sea shipping lanes — has several key implications:
1. Assertive “America First” Foreign Policy
-
Strategic Leverage: Conservatives view this as a smart, transactional move — the U.S. is spending resources to protect international trade routes, and allies should contribute or provide reciprocal benefits. It echoes Trump’s broader principle: no more free rides for foreign nations.
-
Prioritizing U.S. Interests: Trump’s position reinforces that America’s global military involvement should yield clear benefits to U.S. taxpayers and businesses — not just serve vague international ideals.
2. Realignment of Global Partnerships
-
Testing Allies: By putting pressure on Egypt, a longtime U.S. ally, Trump signals that loyalty is earned, not assumed. Conservatives may argue that too many allies have relied on American protection without offering meaningful support in return.
-
Challenging Globalist Norms: Asking for free Suez access cuts against the grain of standard diplomatic niceties — and that’s seen as a virtue. It sends a message that America is no longer afraid to use its power to get fair deals.
3. Reinforcing Military as Economic Tool
-
Power Projection With Purpose: U.S. military action in the Red Sea isn’t just about security — it’s a tool to secure economic advantage. Conservatives often support this type of realpolitik, where strength is used to negotiate better outcomes for the country.
4. Confronting Terror and Chaos in the Middle East
-
Tough on Houthis and Iran: The Houthi threat, widely viewed as an Iranian proxy, is being met with decisive action. Conservatives support firm responses to terror threats and instability, especially when global commerce and U.S. allies are affected.
5. Contrast with Prior Diplomacy
-
Break from Weakness: To many on the right, Trump’s blunt approach contrasts with what they see as the appeasement and softness of previous administrations, which they believe enabled freeloading and weak global cooperation.
Overall Takeaway:
President Trump’s demand for free Suez Canal access is a bold example of “America First” diplomacy — using U.S. military power not just for global stability, but to secure tangible benefits for American interests. It reflects a no-nonsense approach to foreign policy where allies are expected to contribute their fair share, and national strength is leveraged to get real results, not just empty alliances.
Be the first to comment