President-elect Donald Trump announced on Wednesday the appointment of Kevin Marino Cabrera as the United States ambassador to Panama. Cabrera, a Miami-Dade County Commissioner and a key supporter during Trump’s Florida campaign, will assume the diplomatic role amid escalating tensions over the Panama Canal’s operations.
“I am pleased to announce that Kevin Marino Cabrera will serve as the United States Ambassador to the Republic of Panama, a country that is ripping us off on the Panama Canal far beyond their wildest dreams,” Trump said in a statement. He added that Cabrera would do a “FANTASTIC job” representing U.S. interests in the region. The announcement follows Trump’s weekend suggestion that the United States should regain control of the Panama Canal, citing alleged overcharging of American vessels using the critical waterway.
Donald Trump’s Criticism of the Panama Canal and Territorial Expansion
In a series of provocative social media posts, Donald Trump criticized Panama’s management of the canal, accusing the country of exploiting U.S. vessels and alleging the involvement of Chinese forces in its operations. “Merry Christmas to all, including the wonderful soldiers of China, who are lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal,” Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social network. He referenced the 38,000 lives lost during the canal’s construction and U.S. financial contributions to its maintenance.
Donald Trump’s remarks about the canal form part of a broader rhetoric on U.S. territorial expansion. He has also floated the idea of absorbing Canada and Greenland. Referring to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as “governor,” Trump insinuated that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state. Similarly, he claimed Greenlanders “want the U.S. to be there.”
Trade Policy and Negotiation Tactics
Donald Trump’s statements on the Panama Canal and U.S. territorial ambitions align with his strategy of leveraging bold claims to renegotiate trade and economic policies. The president-elect has used similar tactics in the past, combining aggressive rhetoric with threats of tariffs to secure more favorable terms for the United States.
For instance, Donald Trump’s suggestion that Canada join the U.S. comes as he threatens to increase tariffs on Canadian imports. Similarly, his proposal to take control of the Panama Canal appears intended to pressure Panama into lowering fees on American vessels. However, Trump’s transition team has not clarified whether these statements reflect genuine intentions or are primarily negotiation tactics.
Panama Pushes Back Against U.S. Canal Demands
In response to Donald Trump’s comments, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino issued a firm statement asserting Panama’s sovereignty over the canal. “Every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent area belong to PANAMA and will continue to be. The sovereignty and independence of our country are not negotiable,” Mulino emphasized.
Mulino’s statement invoked national pride, referencing Panama’s historical struggle to gain control of the canal. “Every Panamanian, here or anywhere in the world, carries it in their heart, and it is part of our history of struggle and an irreversible conquest,” he added, signaling that Panama will not entertain any renegotiation of canal control.
Challenges Ahead for Kevin Marino Cabrera
As the incoming U.S. ambassador, Kevin Marino Cabrera faces the formidable task of managing a diplomatic relationship strained by Trump’s contentious stance on the canal. Cabrera’s role will require navigating Panama’s staunch opposition to any U.S. efforts to reclaim control while advancing Trump’s “America First” agenda in Latin America.
Observers note that Cabrera’s expertise in Latin American politics will be tested as he attempts to mend ties with Panama while addressing Trump’s grievances. With Trump setting high expectations, declaring that Cabrera is a “fighter for America First principles,” the new ambassador must balance diplomacy with a president-elect’s unyielding demands.
Social Media Controversy and Criticism of Biden
Trump’s social media activity over the holidays extended beyond foreign policy. He issued a combative Christmas message targeting his political opponents and President Joe Biden’s recent commutations of federal death row inmates. “I refuse to wish a Merry Christmas to those lucky ‘souls’ but, instead, will say, GO TO HELL!,” Trump wrote.
The president-elect also vowed to reinstate the death penalty for federal inmates, criticizing Biden’s decision to commute 37 death row sentences to life imprisonment. “I will direct my Department of Justice to vigorously pursue the death penalty,” Trump declared.
Trump’s latest remarks underscore his characteristic blend of controversial rhetoric and populist policy proposals as he prepares to take office. The appointment of Cabrera as ambassador to Panama signals a potential shift in U.S.-Panama relations, particularly concerning the canal’s operations and its strategic importance.
