WATCH: Trump says he's reversing course on Strait of Hormuz fees because Gulf states will invest in U.S.

By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/watch-trump-says-hes-reversing-course-on-strait-of-hormuz-fees-because-gulf-states-will-invest-in-u-s Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH: Trump says he's reversing course on Strait of Hormuz fees because Gulf states will invest in U.S. World Jul 14, 2026 5:16 PM EDT President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Gulf allies asked him to move from tolls to trade deals when it came to the Strait of Hormuz. Watch the clip in the video player above. The president explained his thinking in backing away from a 20% toll on cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz, saying he was called by "kings and emirs" and other leaders who suggested an alternate arrangement. WATCH: Trump says FBI is 'wasting their time' if agency is investigating Sen. Graham's death "They said we'd love to do it a different way. We'd love to invest in the United States with billions and billions of dollars," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Tuesday. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Trump said he prefers that arrangement to the tolls he previously said the U.S. would impose. "I like that actually, because I don't think anybody should be able to charge a fee for the strait," Trump said. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now