US President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday named former Florida state director Kevin Marino Cabrera as the US ambassador to Panama. Trump said Kevin will do a ‘FANTASTIC’ job representing US interests in Panama.
Trump made the announcement on his ‘Truth Social‘ platform.
“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,” he said.
Who is Kevin Marino Cabrera?
Kevin Marino Cabrera currently serves as a Miami-Dade County commissioner. He also serves as vice chairman of the International Trade Consortium.
Kevin was Florida state director during Trump’s first presidential term.
Trump said Cabrera helped advance the MAGA agenda while working as a member of the RNC Platform Committee this year.
“Kevin is a fierce fighter for America First principles. As a Miami-Dade County Commissioner, and Vice Chairman of the International Trade Consortium, he has been instrumental in driving Economic growth, and fostering International partnerships. In 2020, Kevin did an incredible job as my Florida State Director and, this year, advanced our MAGA Agenda as a Member of the RNC Platform Committee,” Trump added.
Trump believes Cabrera’s understanding of Latin American politics makes him suitable for the role.
“Few understand Latin American politics as well as Kevin – He will do a FANTASTIC job representing our Nation’s interests in Panama!” he said.
Trump threatens control over Panama Canal
Trump’s announcement comes after he threatened to reassert US control over the Panama Canal. The US transferred control of the canal to Panama in 1999 after managing it for decades. Diplomatic ties between the two nations have existed since 1903.
Trump has accused Panama of exploiting the US regarding the Panama Canal. “Panama is ripping us off on the Panama Canal, far beyond their wildest dreams,” he said on Truth Social.
He also alleged Chinese soldiers are illegally operating the canal, ensuring the US spends billions on repairs while having no control.
Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino denied China’s influence on the canal’s administration. While China doesn’t control the canal itself, a subsidiary of Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison Holdings manages two ports at the canal’s Atlantic and Pacific entrances.
