On Wednesday, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera was selected by Trump to be the U.S. ambassador to Panama. This decision coincides with a growing conflict between Trump and the Panamanian government regarding the Panama Canal’s control.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed his satisfaction with the appointment, stating, “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.”
Last week, Trump began advocating for the notion that control of the Panama Canal, which has been held by Panama since a 1977 agreement signed by former President Carter, should revert to the U.S.
He criticized the high costs associated with the canal, claiming that America is being “ripped off” and alleging that China has gained excessive influence over its operations.
Trump asserted during his remarks at Turning Point’s “American Fest,” “It was given to Panama and to the people of Panama, but it has provisions, you got to treat us fairly, and they haven’t treated us fairly.”
He added, “If the principles, both moral and legal, of this magnanimous gesture of giving are not followed, then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States of America in full, quickly and without question.”
Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino quickly countered Trump’s claims, emphasizing that Panama will retain control over the canal. He stated, “As President, I want to express precisely that every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent area belong to PANAMA, and will continue to be. The sovereignty and independence of our country are not negotiable.”
Mulino highlighted the national pride Panamanians have for the canal, asserting, “Every Panamanian, here or anywhere in the world, carries it in their heart, and it is part of our history of struggle and an irreversible conquest.”
There has been no clarification from Trump or his transition team regarding the legal justifications for reclaiming the canal. Cabrera will need to manage a complicated relationship with Panama while balancing Trump’s stance on the waterway.
Trump has already outlined expectations for Cabrera, labeling him a staunch advocate for “America First principles.” Trump remarked, “Few understand Latin American politics as well as Kevin – He will do a FANTASTIC job representing our Nation’s interests in Panama.”
