President-elect Donald Trump announced on Wednesday his nomination of Miami-Dade county commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera as the next ambassador to Panama. Trump lauded Cabrera as “a fierce fighter for America First principles,” highlighting his contributions to economic growth and international partnerships. He proclaimed on Truth Social, “Few understand Latin American politics as well as Kevin – He will do a FANTASTIC job representing our Nation’s interests in Panama!”
This announcement follows Trump’s recent threats to reassert US control over the Panama Canal, a waterway administered by the US for decades before its handover to Panama in 1999. Trump alleges that Panama is “ripping us off” on the canal’s operations, claiming the country profits excessively. He further accused Chinese soldiers of illegally operating the canal, asserting that the US invests billions in repairs while having no say in its management. These claims were refuted by Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino, who stated that China holds no influence over the canal’s administration. While China does not control the canal, it’s worth noting that a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings manages two ports situated at the canal’s Caribbean and Pacific entrances.