Panama is pushing back against Trump administration claims that American military vessels will no longer be charged to transit through the Panama Canal.

The State Department posted Wednesday on X a text saying U.S. government vessels won’t be charged any fees before making their way along the 50-mile canal. It said the move would save U.S. taxpayers millions of dollars a year.

The Panama Canal Authority, the government agency responsible for operating and managing the canal, quickly responded to the U.S. claims and denied any changes to the toll fees. The Authority replaced the Panama Canal Commission — a joint U.S.-Panama operation — in 1999.

“In response to a publication published by the United States Department of State, the Panama Canal Authority, empowered to set tolls and other rights for transiting the Canal, communicates that it has not made any adjustments to them,” the Authority said in a statement.

While it denied suspending the passage fees for U.S. warships, the Authority said it is willing to continue discussing the issue.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Panama on Sunday as part of a diplomatic tour of several countries in Latin America. He met with Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino and other officials before visiting the Miraflores locks of the Panama Canal.

President Trump has made no secret of his dissatisfaction with the status quo on the Panama Canal. He has even threatened to reclaim it through military force, if necessary.

While Mr. Mulino said the sovereignty of the canal will remain with Panama, he agreed not to renew his government’s participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, Beijing’s global infrastructure strategy.

• Mike Glenn can be reached at mglenn@washingtontimes.com.