On Christmas, Trump Names Cuban-American Kevin Cabrera Ambassador to Panama Amid Canal 'Ripping Us Off' Claims

Dec 26, 2024, 12:41 AM

President-elect Donald Trump announced on Christmas Day the nomination of Kevin Marino Cabrera, a Cuban-American Miami-Dade County Commissioner, to serve as the United States Ambassador to Panama. Described by Trump as a "fierce fighter for America First principles," Cabrera's appointment comes amid escalating tensions over the Panama Canal, with Trump accusing Panama of "ripping us off" and recently suggesting that the U.S. should retake control of the canal. Cabrera, 34, previously managed Trump's 2020 re-election campaign in Florida and was elected to the county commission in 2022. His nomination signals Trump's intent to address issues related to the Panama Canal and assert U.S. interests in the region.