Trump picks Miami-Dade official to be Panama ambassador

President-elect Donald Trump tapped Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera on Wednesday to serve as U.S. ambassador to Panama. The appointment comes a week after Trump discussed the idea of retaking power in the Central American country. Very few people understand Latin American politics like Cabrera does, Trump wrote in a social media post on Christmas Day.

Cabrera thanked Trump for the nomination in his own social media post, expressing enthusiasm to start work. The appointment is subject to the confirmation of the U.S. Senate.

Who is Kevin Cabrera? He served as vice chairman of Miami-Dade’s International Trade Consortium and the RNC Platform Committee, while also serving as commissioner to Florida’s most populous county. Cabrera is a fierce advocate for the America First principle, a man who has spurred economic growth and fostered international partnerships during his time in office, Trump wrote. The president-elect further argued that the United States was being ripped off by the Central American country’s command of the Panama Canal.

What has Trump said about the Panama Canal? About a week before announcing Cabrera’s appointment, Trump suggested that the United States regain control of the Panama Canal. America’s generosity to Panama is being repaid with injudicious fees on the U.S. Navy and commercial merchants, he said during a Sunday address. He further accused China of undue influence in the country. 

Dig deeper: Read a WORLD Magazine report for more background on the Panama Canal as an engineering marvel.