President-elect Donald Trump (R) has appointed yet another Floridian to his administration. On Christmas Day, the president-elect announced that he had appointed Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera to serve as the ambassador to Panama.
Commissioner Cabrera’s appointment comes after the president-elect suggested that the United States should take control of the Panama Canal. Over the weekend, the president-elect had first entertained the idea, claiming that Panama is “ripping off” American ships going through its waterway.
With the commissioner’s appointment, President-elect Trump affirmed that the commissioner would be promoting the “MAGA agenda” in Panama. Commissioner Cabrera had previously served as the Florida State Director of President-elect Trump’s 2020 campaign.
The president-elect also shared that “few understand Latin American politics as well as Kevin,” and the incoming president isn’t the only political figure that’s singing praises of the Miami-Dade commissioner.
Also celebrating Commissioner Cabrera’s appointment is Florida Senator Rick Scott (R), who took to social media to call him a “fantastic Floridian."
President Trump out with another great pick and a fantastic Floridian! I’ve had the pleasure of working with @KMCabreraFL and have seen firsthand how much he cares about Floridians and the future of our country, as well as freedom in Latin America.
The U.S. and Panama have a… https://t.co/Hc7zutSQle
— Rick Scott (@ScottforFlorida) December 25, 2024
Calling Commissioner Cabrera “another great pick,” the Florida senator shared that he previously worked with the commissioner, writing that he’s “seen firsthand how much he cares about Floridians and the future of our country, as well as freedom in Latin America.”
“The U.S. and Panama have a unique relationship and I know Kevin will represent our interests as well as Ambassador,” Senator Scott added.
President-elect Trump posted a Christmas message on social media, accusing Chinese soldiers of illegally operating in the Panama Canal as well as claiming that U.S. ships are being charged excessive fees for passing through its key waterway.
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino responded to President-elect Trump’s claims over the weekend, commenting that “the sovereignty and independence of our country is non-negotiable.” Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also weighed in on the issue, supporting the Panamanian government earlier this week.
“Indeed, the Panama Canal belongs to the Panamanians,” President Sheinbaum said during a press conference.
