By Jasper Ward
(Reuters) – U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday nominated Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera to serve as ambassador to Panama.
Trump described Cabrera as “a fierce fighter for America First principles,” who he said has been instrumental in driving economic growth and fostering international partnerships.
“Few understand Latin American politics as well as Kevin. He will do a FANTASTIC job representing our nation’s interests in Panama!” he said in a post on Truth Social.
The announcement of his pick for ambassador comes after Trump threatened to reassert US control over the Panama Canal, which he managed for decades before handing it over to Panama in 1999.
Trump said the Central American country, with whom the United States has had diplomatic relations since 1903, “is scamming us on the Panama Canal, far beyond its wildest dreams.”
In a post on Truth Social on Wednesday, Trump accused Chinese soldiers of illegally operating the canal and “always making sure the United States invests billions of dollars in ‘reparations’ money, but will have absolutely nothing to say about it.” nothing'”.
Panama’s president, José Raúl Mulino, has said that China had no influence in the administration of the canal.
China does not control or manage the canal, but a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings has long managed two ports located at the canal’s Caribbean and Pacific entrances.
