President-elect Donald Trump has announced that he has chosen Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera to serve as the next U.S. ambassador to Panama. This decision comes at a time when Trump is expressing concerns about the Panama Canal and the fees charged to American ships passing through.
Rene García, who has worked closely with Cabrera for the past two years at the Miami-Dade County Commission, expressed his support for the selection, stating, “I think that Donald Trump made the right pick.” He believes that Cabrera, a Cuban American politician, is well-equipped to handle the challenges of representing the United States in Panama and renegotiating agreements related to the canal.
In a post on his social network Truth Social, Trump praised Cabrera’s appointment, stating that he is confident Cabrera will do a fantastic job representing the nation’s interests in Panama. The president-elect emphasized the importance of having someone with Cabrera’s understanding of Latin American politics in this role.
Cabrera, who has been serving as the county commissioner of District 6 since 2022, represents areas such as Coral Gables, Hialeah, and the City of Miami. As the son of Cuban exiles, he expressed gratitude for the opportunities the United States has provided him and stated that he takes great pride in representing the country abroad.
Eduardo Gamarra, a professor of International Relations at Florida International University, highlighted the significance of Cabrera’s mission in Panama, particularly in negotiating lower fees related to the canal. While Trump has raised concerns about the fees and suggested the possibility of the U.S. reclaiming control of the canal, Gamarra believes that diplomatic negotiations are more likely to result in fee reductions for all users.
Before his role as a county commissioner, Cabrera served as the Florida director of Trump’s 2020 re-election campaign and worked as a lobbyist. He has also been involved in local initiatives, such as supporting the renaming of a road in Hialeah to honor President Donald J. Trump.
In response to his appointment as the U.S. ambassador to Panama, Cabrera expressed his commitment to advancing America’s interests on the global stage and supporting Trump’s America First vision. He pledged to work tirelessly to uphold the country’s values and strengthen its leadership in international affairs.
Trump’s concerns about the Panama Canal fees have been a focal point of his recent statements, with the president referring to the charges as “ridiculous” and threatening to take back control of the waterway if the costs are not reduced. The construction and history of the Panama Canal, which has been a vital link between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, have played a significant role in U.S.-Panama relations over the years.
As Cabrera prepares for his Senate confirmation process and eventual role as ambassador to Panama, the international community will be watching closely to see how he navigates the complex issues surrounding the Panama Canal and strengthens diplomatic ties between the two countries.
