Trump names Kevin Marino Cabrera as Panama ambassador after threatening to reclaim control of the Panama Canal, citing economic concerns.
US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera as ambassador to Panama following his recent threats to reassert US control over the Panama Canal, which was handed over to Panama 25 years ago.
Mr. Trump described Mr. Cabrera as "a fierce fighter for America First principles," noting his role in driving economic growth and fostering international partnerships, according to reports from Reuters.
In a post on Truth Social last Wednesday, Mr. Trump stated, "Few understand Latin American politics as well as Kevin - he will do a FANTASTIC job representing our Nation's interests in Panama!"
On Sunday, Mr. Trump threatened to reclaim control of the Panama Canal, which the US administered for decades before transferring authority to Panama in 1999.
He accused the Central American country, with which the US has maintained diplomatic relations since 1903, of "ripping us off on the Panama Canal, far beyond their wildest dreams."
Additionally, he alleged that Chinese soldiers were illegally operating the canal, claiming they ensure that the United States invests billions in repair funds while having no say in its operations.
In response, Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino stated that China has no influence over the canal's administration and emphasized that there are no Chinese soldiers present. "There are no Chinese soldiers in the canal, for the love of God; the world is free to visit the canal," he asserted during a speech on Thursday.
While China does not control or administer the canal, a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings has managed two ports located at the Caribbean and Pacific entrances of the canal for an extended period.
