The president-elect stated his nominee is a ‘fierce fighter for America First ideas’ who understands Latin American politics.
President-elect Donald Trump nominated Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera to function U.S. ambassador to Panama, days after suggesting that the US regain management of the Panama Canal.
Trump known as Cabrera “a fierce fighter for America First ideas” who has performed an instrumental position in driving financial progress and fostering worldwide partnerships.
Cabrera, who was the state director for Trump’s 2020 reelection marketing campaign in Florida, additionally serves as vice chairman of Miami-Dade’s Worldwide Commerce Consortium. He has additionally been the Florida director for the American First Coverage Insitute since 2023.
Trump applauded Cabrera for advancing his MAGA agenda as a member of the Republican Nationwide Committee’s Platform Committee.
“Few perceive Latin American politics in addition to Kevin—He’ll do a improbable job representing our Nation’s pursuits in Panama!” Trump wrote.
“I’m humbled and honored by your nomination to function the U.S. Ambassador to Panama,” Cabrera wrote. “Let’s get to work!”
Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) stated he had labored with Cabrera and knew how a lot the commissioner cares about the way forward for the US and freedom in Latin America.
Panama Canal
Trump started suggesting that the US ought to reimpose management of the Panama Canal on Dec. 21. He criticized Panama for charging “exorbitant costs and charges of passages” for U.S. naval and business vessels passing via the canal, whereas additionally expressing issues concerning the Chinese language regime’s rising affect over the waterway.
If Panama can not assure “the safe, environment friendly, and dependable operation” of the waterway, the US “will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us, in full, and with out query,” Trump stated on the time.
The Panama Canal, which opened in 1914 after 10 years of building by the US, was returned to Panama beneath a 1977 deal signed by President Jimmy Carter. In 1999, Panama took full management of the canal, which is now one of many busiest delivery lanes on this planet, connecting the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulin has rejected Trump’s feedback.
Joseph Humire, government director of the Middle for a Safe Free Society and a visiting fellow on the Heritage Basis, stated Trump had delivered “a message for China” and he was addressing a earlier international coverage mistake.
The Panama Canal is essential for projecting American army would possibly, Humire stated, for it makes a two-ocean U.S. Navy potential.
Humire stated that China realizes how essential the waterway is to the US and “has been “quietly encroaching on the logistical operations of the canal.”
“Begging the query: At what level and to what finish can China disrupt the canal to discourage the U.S. Navy from responding to international crises, together with all situations on Taiwan,” Humire added.
“President Trump with an incredible quantity of strategic instinct simply raised this extremely essential challenge to the highest of the nationwide safety agenda.”
Reuters contributed to this text.