In an exciting announcement, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Kevin Marino Cabrera, a Miami-Dade County Commissioner, to serve as the new U.S. Ambassador to Panama. Trump praised Cabrera as a “fierce fighter for America First principles” and someone who has helped boost both economic growth and international partnerships. Trump took to Truth Social, saying, “Few understand Latin American politics as well as Kevin. He will do a FANTASTIC job representing our Nation’s interests in Panama!”
But the excitement doesn’t end there. Just days before the ambassadorial pick, Trump made a bold statement about the Panama Canal. He threatened to reassert U.S. control over the canal, which was handed over to Panama in 1999. Trump claimed Panama was “ripping us off” when it comes to the canal, accusing China of having an unfair influence there. According to him, Chinese soldiers were illegally operating the canal, despite the fact that Panama’s President, Jose Raul Mulino, denied this claim. He reassured everyone, saying, “There are no Chinese soldiers in the canal, for the love of God!”
While China doesn’t control the canal, a subsidiary of a Hong Kong-based company has managed two ports at the canal’s entrances for years.
This latest move by Trump adds more drama to U.S.-Panama relations, signaling that things could be about to change.
