By Armando Hernandez
Dec 25, 2024, 10:42 PM EST
In the midst of the controversy surrounding Trump’s statements about the Panama Canal, The president-elect announced this Wednesday that he will nominate Kevin Marino Cabrera, current commissioner of Miami-Dade County, as ambassador to Panama, and insisted that the Central American country is “swindling” the United States.
In days gone by, Trump directly criticized Panama and the fees it charges for the use of the canal, arguing that they were charging US ships “ridiculous and highly unfair” fees.
Under this context, Trump chose Kevin Marino Cabrera to occupy the position of United States ambassador to the Republic of Panama in the midst of his effort to take control of the Panama Canal in the Central American nation, which he has accused of exploiting the US government and corporations
“I am pleased to announce that Kevin Marino Cabrera will serve as United States Ambassador to the Republic of Panama, a country that is scamming us in the Panama Canal,” Trump said in a statement on Wednesday.
Trump affirmed that Marino Cabrera is “a fierce fighter” for the principles of ‘America First’, which the president-elect defends.
He noted that, as commissioner of Miami-Dade County, Florida, he has been “pivotal in driving economic growth and international partnerships.”
“Few understand Latin American politics as well as Kevin. “He will do a FANTASTIC job representing the interests of our nation in Panama!” he exclaimed.
In a message on social networks, Marino Cabrera said he was “very honored and grateful” for the nomination: “Let’s get to work!” he added.
Trump has insisted that if the “scam” did not stop, he would demand that the channel be returned to the United States, although he did not specify how.
Trump added that he did not want the Panama Canal to “fall into the wrong hands” and specifically cited China, which has significant interests there.
The Panama Canal was built by the United States, which inaugurated it in 1914 and administered it until its transfer to the Panamanian State on December 31, 1999, as established in the Torrijos-Carter Treaties signed on September 7, 1977 in Washington by the then presidents of Panama Omar Torrijos (1929-1981) and American Jimmy Carter (1977-1981).
Keep reading:
• What is the Interoceanic Corridor with which Mexico intends to compete with the Panama Canal?
• The ambitious and necessary plan that the Panama Canal has to survive as a navigable waterway
• “They erased entire towns”: the little-known story of the construction of the Panama Canal