In a recent statement that grabbed headlines, President-elect Donald Trump introduced his choice for the United States Ambassador to Panama—Kevin Marino Cabrera, a strong supporter and loyalist of Trump. The announcement came on the heels of Trump’s provocative comments about the Panama Canal, a subject that has sparked global attention. On Truth Social, Trump expressed his excitement about Cabrera’s appointment, highlighting the ambassador's deep understanding of Latin American politics. He even went as far as to say, “Few understand Latin American politics as well as Kevin — He will do a FANTASTIC job representing our Nation’s interests in Panama!”
Cabrera’s appointment might seem routine at first glance, but it is not without its intrigue, especially given the recent political climate surrounding Panama and the Panama Canal. Trump’s announcement followed a series of social media posts on Christmas Day where he stirred the pot by suggesting that the United States should take control of the Panama Canal. In fact, he accused Panama of "ripping off" the U.S. on the canal and hinted at territorial expansion that would not just include the Panama Canal, but also Greenland and Canada. Trump’s sentiments, as usual, were controversial, but they certainly added fuel to an already fiery political discussion.
Kevin Marino Cabrera, a native of Miami, is no stranger to political involvement. He made waves two years ago when he won his county election, proving that his influence in Florida’s political landscape was on the rise. Cabrera had previously served as the Florida state director for Trump’s 2020 campaign and also held a significant role as a member of the Republican National Committee Platform Committee. His roots run deep within the Cuban-American community, as he was born to Cuban exiles who fled to the United States for a better life. He further solidified his political credentials by earning his degree from Miami Dade College and Florida International University, two institutions that have long been associated with the vibrant Latin community in Florida.
But the most interesting aspect of this appointment lies not just in Cabrera’s background, but in the timing and the context surrounding it. Trump’s decision to appoint Cabrera as Ambassador to Panama comes after a rather audacious set of claims made about the Panama Canal on Truth Social. On Christmas Day, Trump made a controversial statement regarding the canal, remarking that the United States should take control of it again. “The U.S. should take control of the Panama Canal, far beyond their wildest dreams,” Trump declared in his post, signaling a renewed interest in the waterway that has been a focal point of international trade for over a century.
The Panama Canal, once a symbol of American engineering and dominance, has been a source of tension for decades. The waterway, originally constructed by the United States in 1904, was handed back to Panama in 1999 after years of negotiation, most notably the 1977 treaties signed by the Carter administration and Panamanian dictator Omar Torrijos. Under the terms of the treaties, the canal was transferred to Panama, and today, it is administered by the Panama Canal Authority, an independent government agency. Despite this transfer of control, the canal remains a critical point of international trade, with significant global economic consequences tied to its operation.
Trump’s social media rants over the holiday season did not stop at the Panama Canal. The president-elect also took aim at Canada, mocking its Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, referring to him as "governor" and suggesting that the U.S. could annex Canada. He boldly claimed, “If Canada was to become our 51st State, their Taxes would be cut by more than 60%, their businesses would immediately double in size, and they would be militarily protected like no other Country anywhere in the World.” The suggestion was, of course, as outlandish as it was attention-grabbing. Trump’s comments only added to the long-running history of political banter between the U.S. and its northern neighbor, but the idea of annexation, however absurd, did resonate with some of his supporters, sparking debates about America’s position on the world stage.
The idea of reclaiming control over the Panama Canal was not without its critics, and Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino was quick to respond. He made it clear that the sovereignty and independence of Panama were non-negotiable, reiterating that the canal remained a vital and integral part of the country. In a video posted to social media, Mulino emphasized that Panama would not entertain any discussions about relinquishing control of the canal. His remarks came as a strong rebuttal to Trump’s statements, signaling that the relationship between the two nations could be in for a bumpy ride.
At the center of all of this is the Panama Canal, which is widely regarded as one of the most important and strategic trade routes in the world. The canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, is a critical passageway for global shipping. Control of the canal has been fiercely contested for over a century, and its strategic importance has only grown in the modern era, as global trade continues to expand. In recent years, China has sought to expand its influence in the region by investing in infrastructure projects surrounding the canal, including the construction of a convention center and two ports operated by a Hong Kong-based contractor. These moves have raised eyebrows in Washington, with some critics arguing that China’s growing presence in the region poses a threat to American interests.
Trump’s controversial remarks about the Panama Canal and the possibility of taking control of it were certainly not limited to his social media posts. He also took the opportunity to touch on Greenland, once again bringing up the possibility of U.S. control over the island, which he had previously suggested could be bought from Denmark. He called the island "needed for National Security purposes" and suggested that the U.S. would make a move to secure it, much to the dismay of Greenland’s leaders. Prime Minister Múte Egede of Greenland was quick to respond, stating that Greenland is "not for sale and will never be for sale," putting to rest any lingering thoughts of a potential acquisition.
Trump’s recent outbursts have reignited debates on U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding its historical ties to the Panama Canal. While Trump’s supporters may cheer on his bold statements, it’s clear that the diplomatic implications of such rhetoric could have far-reaching consequences. Whether or not his claims about the Panama Canal and territorial expansion are serious, the message is clear: Trump is not shy about challenging the status quo and shaking up traditional notions of international relations. As for Kevin Marino Cabrera, his upcoming confirmation as ambassador to Panama will likely add another layer to this already heated diplomatic environment.
In the meantime, the world watches as these political developments unfold, with the fate of the Panama Canal and the future of U.S.-Panama relations hanging in the balance. Will Trump’s aggressive rhetoric become a defining feature of his diplomatic approach, or will cooler heads prevail in the coming months? Only time will tell. What is certain, however, is that the political landscape surrounding the Panama Canal is more complex—and more contentious—than ever before. And with Cabrera set to take on a pivotal role as ambassador, his tenure promises to be one to watch closely.
Login