Trump nominates Miami-Dade official as ambassador to Panama
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Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera has been nominated by US President-elect Donald Trump as ambassador to Panama.
PHOTO: KEVIN MARINO CABRERA/FACEBOOK
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WASHINGTON – US President-elect Donald Trump on Dec 25 nominated Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera to serve as ambassador to Panama.
Trump described Mr 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!” Trump 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,
Trump said the Central American country, with whom the US has had diplomatic relations since 1903, is “ripping us off on the Panama Canal, far beyond their wildest dreams”.
In a post on Truth Social on Dec 25, Trump accused Chinese soldiers of illegally operating the canal and “always making certain that the United States puts in Billions of Dollars in ‘repair’ money but will have absolutely nothing to say about ‘anything’.”
Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino has said China had no influence on the canal’s administration.
China does not control or administer the canal, but a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings has long managed two ports located on the canal’s Caribbean and Pacific entrances. REUTERS
