miami – President-elect Donald Trump announced on Christmas Day that he had appointed Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera as the next U.S. ambassador to Panama.
The announcement comes as Trump threatens to take back power. panama canal According to him, this is because the Central American country is “rip off” American ships passing through the waterway.
“I think Donald Trump made the right choice,” said Renee Garcia, who served on the Miami-Dade County Commission with Cabrera, 34, for the past two years.
Garcia said local Cuban-American politicians have the ability to take on the challenge on the international stage. “I believe Kevin is the right person to try to renegotiate this issue and represent this country’s interests in Panama.”
The president-elect posted a message on his social network, Truth Social, saying Cabrera “will do a fantastic job representing our country’s interests in Panama.”
“I am delighted that Kevin Marino Cabrera will serve as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Panama, which has deceived us beyond our wildest dreams in the Panama Canal,” President Trump said on Truth Social. “Few people understand Latin American politics better than Kevin. He will do a fantastic job representing our country’s interests in Panama!”
Trump has already done it. Employee Recommendation Series Cabrera’s nomination must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
Cabrera has served as county commissioner for District 6, which represents parts of the cities of Coral Gables, Hialeah and Miami, since 2022. With Trump’s endorsement, Cabrera easily defeated then-Gables Commissioner Jorge Fors in the 2022 race for the seat.
The remaining 12 county commissioners will nominate Cabrera’s replacement if the board decides not to hold a special election to fill the remaining two years of Cabrera’s first term.
Kevin Marino Cabrera is the son of Cuban exiles.
“As a first-generation American and the son of Cuban exiles, I am deeply grateful for all that this country has given me,” Cabrera, 34, said in a statement following Trump’s announcement.
“Representing America abroad is a mission I take great pride in,” he said. “I look forward to discussing my commitment to advancing American interests on the world stage through the nomination process and in conversations with the Senate.” .
“The new ambassador faces the important task of trying to negotiate a fee reduction,” said Eduardo Gamarra, a professor of international relations at Florida International University (FIU).
He reiterated that the United States and Panama signed a treaty in the 20th century establishing the canal as property of the Central American country, but Trump said the United States should either pay less to build the canal 110 years ago or take it back.
“I don’t think the U.S. will invade Panama because of fees. Now, they may force the Panamanian government to lower their fees, but if the Panamanian government lowers their fees, it’s likely that everyone’s fees will be lowered, not just for the United States.” ”
Before becoming a Miami-Dade County commissioner, he was the Florida director for Trump’s 2020 re-election campaign and a former lobbyist.
In November, he sponsored an initiative for Miami-Dade to recognize Hialeah’s creation. President Donald J. Trump Avenue. County Commission approved. Earlier this month, the committee won overwhelming support, 9 to 1. 4 Mile Road has been renamed.
“President Trump, thank you for this incredible honor. I am eager and energized to join your administration as your next Ambassador to Panama,” Cabrera said in a statement.
“I am committed to supporting President Trump’s America First vision and will work tirelessly every day to maintain his bold approach to international diplomacy. Together, we will ensure that America’s power, freedom, and leadership create a brighter place for all. We will ensure that it continues to shape the future.” continued.
Trump: Panama Canal cost is outrageous
President Trump called the fees levied on American ships transiting the canal “ridiculous” and warned that the United States would reclaim the waterway if costs were not reduced.
“Happy Christmas to everyone, including the wonderful Chinese soldiers who lovingly but illegally run the Panama Canal (where 38,000 people lost their lives in the building 110 years ago) and who always keep America investing billions of dollars.” “I have dollars for repairs, but I won’t say anything about ‘nothing,’” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Construction of the 51-mile Panama Canal, linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, began in 1904 and opened 10 years later.
The United States controlled the canal until 1977, when authority was gradually transferred to Panama through a series of treaties. After a period of joint management, full control was transferred in 1999.
