On Wednesday, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump nominated Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera as ambassador to Panama.
Trump described Cabrera as “a fierce fighter for America First principles” who has helped drive economic growth and foster international partnerships.
“Few understand Latin American politics as well as Kevin – He will do a FANTASTIC job representing our nation’s interests in Panama!” he wrote on Truth Social.
The announcement of his choice for ambassador comes after Trump threatened to reestablish US control over the Panama Canal, which it managed for decades before handing over to Panama in 1999.
Trump accused the Central American country, with which the United States has had diplomatic relations since 1903, of “ripping us off on the Panama Canal, far beyond their wildest dreams.”
On Wednesday, Trump accused Chinese soldiers of illegally operating the canal and “always making certain that the United States puts in billions of dollars in ‘repair’ money but will have absolutely nothing to say about ‘anything.'”
Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino has stated that China had no influence over the canal’s administration.
China does not control or administer the canal, but a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings has long managed two ports at the canal’s Caribbean and Pacific entrances.
