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President-elect Donald Trump announced on Dec. 23 the nomination of Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera as the next U.S. ambassador to Panama. This decision comes just days after Trump suggested that the United States should consider regaining control of the Panama Canal.
“I am pleased to announce that Kevin Marino Cabrera will serve as the United States Ambassador to the Republic of Panama, a Country that is ripping us off on the Panama Canal, far beyond their wildest dreams,” Trump stated on Truth Social on Dec. 25.
The president-elect praised Cabrera as “a fierce fighter for America First principles” who understands Latin American politics and has a proven record in fostering economic growth and international partnerships.
Cabrera’s Background
Cabrera, who served as state director for Trump’s 2020 reelection campaign in Florida, is currently the vice chairman of Miami-Dade’s International Trade Consortium and the Florida director for the America First Policy Institute, a position he’s held since 2023. Trump highlighted Cabrera’s contributions to the MAGA agenda during his tenure with the Republican National Committee’s Platform Committee.
“Few understand Latin American politics as well as Kevin—he will do a fantastic job representing our Nation’s interests in Panama!” Trump added.
Cabrera expressed gratitude for the nomination, writing on social media platform X: “I’m humbled and honored by your nomination to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to Panama. Let’s get to work!”
Support for Cabrera
The nomination has garnered praise from prominent Republicans. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) voiced his support, saying he has worked closely with Cabrera and is confident in his ability to advocate for U.S. interests.
“The U.S. and Panama have a unique relationship, and I know Kevin will represent our interests well as Ambassador!” Scott wrote on X.
Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Panama’s strategic importance as a U.S. ally in combating drug trafficking, illegal immigration, and authoritarian regimes. “I have no doubt Kevin will excel in safeguarding our national security interests,” Diaz-Balart stated.
Panama Canal Dispute
Trump recently stirred controversy by suggesting the U.S. should reassess its control over the Panama Canal. Speaking on Dec. 21, he criticized Panama for imposing “exorbitant prices and rates of passage” on U.S. vessels. Trump also raised concerns about China’s growing influence over the canal’s operations, stating that if Panama cannot guarantee secure and efficient operations, “the United States will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us, in full, and without question.”
The canal, constructed by the United States and opened in 1914, was handed over to Panama under a 1977 treaty signed by President Jimmy Carter. Panama assumed full control in 1999, and it remains one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, connecting the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea.
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino rejected Trump’s comments, declaring that the canal “belongs to Panama and will continue to do so.” Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also voiced support for Panama, stating during a press conference that “the Panama Canal belongs to the Panamanians.”
Concerns About China
In a separate Truth Social post, Trump accused Chinese soldiers of operating illegally within the canal, alleging that China has leveraged U.S. investments for its own gain while limiting American influence.
Joseph Humire, executive director of the Center for a Secure Free Society, called Trump’s comments “a message for China” and a critique of past U.S. foreign policy missteps.
“One of the biggest foreign policy blunders of the 20th century was Jimmy Carter’s 1977 transfer of the Panama Canal,” Humire wrote on X. “Consecutive U.S. presidents (Clinton, Bush, Obama) worsened the situation by neglecting or enabling China’s influence over canal operations and Latin America writ large.”
Humire emphasized the canal’s importance to U.S. military strategy, describing it as crucial for maintaining a two-ocean navy. He warned that China’s increasing control over the canal could potentially hinder the U.S. Navy’s ability to respond to global crises, including potential conflicts involving Taiwan.
“President Trump, with a tremendous amount of strategic intuition, just raised this incredibly important issue to the top of the national security agenda,” Humire concluded.
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