miami – President-elect Donald Trump said on Christmas Day that he has selected Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera to be the next U.S. ambassador to Panama.
The announcement comes as Trump threatens to take back control Panama Canal Because, according to him, the Central American nation is “snatching” American ships passing through the waterway.
“I think Donald Trump made the right choice,” said Rene Garcia, who has worked with Cabrera, 34, on the Miami-Dade County Commission for the past two years.
García said Cuban American local politicians are capable of challenging in the international arena, “I think Kevin is the right person to renegotiate this and make sure he represents the interests of this country in Panama.” Are.”
Posting a message on your social network true socialThe President-elect said that Cabrera “will do a fantastic job representing our nation's interests in Panama!”
Trump wrote on Truth Social, “I am pleased to announce that Kevin Marino Cabrera will serve as United States Ambassador to the Republic of Panama, a country that takes us far from our dreams on the Panama Canal. Used to be.” “Few people understand Latin American politics as much as Kevin does – he will do a fantastic job representing our nation's interests in Panama!”
Trump has already made Employees' Choice Series Before taking over as President for a second term on January 20, 2025. Cabrera's nomination will require confirmation by the U.S. Senate.
Since 2022, Cabrera has been the County Commissioner of District 6. Represents Coral Gables, Hialeah, and parts of the city of Miami.With Trump's endorsement, Cabrera easily defeated then-Gables Commissioner George Force in the 2022 race for the seat.
If the board chooses not to call a special election to fill the remaining two years of Cabrera's first term, the remaining 12 county commissioners will announce their replacements.
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 everything this country has given me,” Cabrera, 34, said in a statement after Trump's announcement.
He said, “Representing the United States abroad is a duty I take with utmost pride. I look forward to discussing the nomination process and my commitment to advancing America's interests on the global stage with the Senate “
“The new ambassador faces an important mission in trying to negotiate a reduction in fees,” said Eduardo Gamarra, professor of international relations at Florida International University (FIU).
He reiterated that the U.S. and Panama signed a treaty in the 20th century establishing that the canal belongs to the Central American nation, though Trump said the U.S. should have paid less to build the canal 110 years ago or it would be destroyed. Should be taken back.
“I don't think the US would attack Panama over fees. Now, it could force the Panamanian government to lower the fees, but if the Panamanian government lowers the fees, it would probably lower the fees for everyone ( Not just for the United States).
Before being a Miami-Dade County Commissioner, he was the Florida director of Trump's 2020 re-election campaign and is a former lobbyist.
In November, he sponsored an initiative whereby Miami-Dade would recognize the creation of Hialeah. President Donald J. Trump AvenueCounty Commission approved. Earlier this month, the commission passed the bill by an overwhelming majority of 9-1. 4-mile road name change.
“President Trump, thank you for this incredible honor. I am eager and energized to join your Administration as the next Ambassador to Panama,” Commissioner Cabrera said in the statement.
Cabrera said, “I am committed to supporting President Trump's America First approach and will work tirelessly every day to maintain his bold approach to international diplomacy. Together, we will ensure that American strength, freedom And leadership continues to shape a brighter future for all.” Continued.
Trump calls Panama Canal fee “ridiculous”
Trump has described the fees charged from US ships passing through the canal as “ridiculous” Warned that America will take back the waterway If costs do not come down.
“Merry Christmas to everyone, including China's wonderful soldiers who are lovingly, but illegally, manning the Panama Canal (where we lost 38,000 people in its building 110 years ago), always making sure that The United States invests billions of dollars in 'repair' money, but will have absolutely nothing to say about anything else,'' Trump Written on Truth Social,
Construction of the 51-mile-long Panama Canal, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, began in 1904 and opened for use 10 years later.
The US retained control of the canal until 1977, when a series of treaties gradually transferred rights to Panama. After a period of joint administration, full control was handed over in 1999.