Thu Dec 26 11:50:00 UTC 2024: **Trump Appoints Florida Commissioner as Ambassador to Panama Amid Canal Dispute**

West Palm Beach, FL – President-elect Donald Trump announced the appointment of Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera as the next U.S. Ambassador to Panama. The appointment comes just days after Mr. Trump publicly called for the United States to reassert control over the Panama Canal, accusing Panama of overcharging American ships.

Mr. Cabrera, who served on the Trump 2020 campaign and holds various positions within the Florida Republican Party, has been praised by Mr. Trump for his understanding of Latin American politics. The President-elect stated on social media that Mr. Cabrera “will do a FANTASTIC job representing our Nation’s interests in Panama!”

Mr. Trump’s recent comments regarding the Panama Canal have raised concerns about potential conflict with Panama. He has suggested the U.S. could demand the canal’s return if fees aren’t lowered, citing what he described as Panama “ripping us off.” While the U.S. relinquished control of the canal to Panama in 1999, Mr. Trump has also voiced concerns about the canal potentially falling into the “wrong hands,” seemingly referencing China’s growing influence in the region. However, it is important to note that while a Hong Kong-based firm operates ports near the canal, China does not have control over the waterway itself. The Panama Canal remains a crucial link in global shipping, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

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