Donald Trump posted a message canceling his announcement that he would impose a 20% toll on commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz after facing strong opposition.
On Tuesday, 14 Jul 2026 GMT+7, U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that he was canceling the plan to charge a 20% toll on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, opting instead to encourage Gulf Arab countries to invest in the United States.
Earlier on Monday, Trump had declared that the U.S. would become the “guardian angel of the Strait of Hormuz” and would charge this toll as a fee for the security the U.S. provides.
However, on Tuesday, Trump posted that “Following excellent discussions with leaders in the Middle East, I have decided to shift from charging the U.S. a 20% toll to establishing trade and investment agreements whereby Gulf Arab countries will invest in the United States instead.”
Trump’s latest move comes amid opposition from many sides, including allies, other affected countries such as Brazil, and shipping companies. Officials within his own government have also questioned the feasibility and legality of imposing fees on an international waterway.
“It is an international waterway. No country is permitted to charge tolls or fees on international waterways. That is the applicable international law today,” said Secretary of State Marco Rubio in June.
Vice President J.D. Vance also emphasized that the administration’s position is that “international waterways should remain toll-free,” and Trump himself had previously stated that the U.S. wants the strait to be a “free” passageway.
“We want it open. We want it free. We do not want tolls. This is an international issue. It’s an international waterway,” Trump said in May.
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Source:cnn