Trump appoints Kevin Marino Cabrera as US Ambassador to Panama

December 26, 2024 TruthUSA

The president-elect praised his nominee as a “fierce fighter for America First principles” who possesses a deep understanding of Latin American politics.

President-elect Donald Trump chose Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera to be the U.S. ambassador to Panama, shortly after suggesting that the United States take back control of the Panama Canal.

“I am excited to announce that Kevin Marino Cabrera will represent the United States as the Ambassador to the Republic of Panama, a Country that is taking advantage of us in regards to the Panama Canal, far exceeding their expectations,” Trump posted on his Truth Social account on Dec. 25.

Trump described Cabrera as “a fierce fighter for America First principles” who has been pivotal in promoting economic growth and building international relations.

Cabrera, who served as the state director for Trump’s 2020 reelection campaign in Florida, is also the vice chairman of Miami-Dade’s International Trade Consortium. Additionally, he has been the Florida director for the American First Policy Institute since 2023.

Trump commended Cabrera for furthering his MAGA agenda as a member of the Republican National Committee’s Platform Committee.

“Few individuals understand Latin American politics better than Kevin—He will excel in representing our Nation’s interests in Panama!” Trump stated.

In response to Trump’s nomination, Cabrera expressed his gratitude on the social media platform X towards the president-elect.

“I am honored and humbled by your appointment to be the U.S. Ambassador to Panama,” Cabrera stated. “Let’s get started!”

Trump’s selection has garnered approval from some Republicans in Congress.

Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) mentioned that he had collaborated with Cabrera and recognized the commissioner’s dedication to the future of the United States and the freedom of Latin America.

“The relationship between the U.S. and Panama is special and I am confident that Kevin will effectively represent our interests as ambassador!” Scott stated in a post on X.

“Panama is a crucial U.S. ally in the region, playing a key role in combating drug trafficking, illegal migration, and opposing oppressive regimes,” Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) wrote in a post on X.

“I am confident that Kevin will excel in safeguarding our national security interests.”

Panama Canal

Trump began proposing that the United States should reassume control of the Panama Canal on Dec. 21. He criticized Panama for imposing “unreasonable prices and tolls” for U.S. naval and commercial ships passing through the canal, while also expressing concerns about the growing influence of the Chinese regime over the waterway.

If Panama cannot guarantee “the secure, efficient, and reliable operation” of the waterway, the United States “will demand that the Panama
Canal be returned to us, in full, and without question,” Trump stated at that time.

The Panama Canal, which was opened in 1914 after 10 years of construction by the United States, was handed back to Panama under a 1977 agreement signed by President Jimmy Carter. In 1999, Panama assumed full control of the canal, which is now one of the busiest maritime routes in the world, connecting the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulin dismissed Trump’s remarks.

“Every inch of the Panama Canal and its surrounding area belongs to Panama and will continue to do so,” he stated in a declaration on Dec. 22.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum voiced her support for Panama. During a regular press briefing on Dec. 23, she affirmed that “the Panama Canal belongs to the Panamanians.”

In another message on Truth Social on Dec. 25, Trump accused Chinese troops of illicitly operating the Panama Canal and “consistently ensuring that the United States contributes Billions of Dollars in ‘repair’ funds, but will not have any say on ‘anything.’”

Joseph Humire, executive director of the Center for a Secure Free Society and a visiting fellow at the Heritage Foundation, mentioned that Trump had delivered “a message to China” and was addressing a previous diplomatic error.

“One of the major diplomatic errors of the 20th century was Jimmy Carter’s 1977 transfer of the Panama Canal. Into the 21st century, consecutive U.S. presidents (Clinton, Bush, Obama) worsened the situation by neglecting and sometimes enabling China’s influence over canal operations and Latin America as a whole,” Humire wrote in an X post on Dec. 23.

Humire emphasized the importance of the Panama Canal for projecting American military strength, as it enables a two-ocean U.S. Navy.

Humire noted that China recognizes the significance of the waterway for the United States and “has been quietly encroaching on the logistical operations of the canal.”

“This raises the question: At what point and for what purpose would China disrupt the canal to deter the U.S. Navy from responding to global crises, including all scenarios regarding Taiwan,” Humire added.

“With tremendous strategic insight, President Trump has brought this incredibly important issue to the forefront of the national security agenda.”

Reuters contributed to this article.

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