Trump Appoints Ambassador to Panama After Suggesting U.S. Control of Canal
New Appointment Amid Controversial Remarks on Panama Canal
President-elect Donald Trump has named Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera as the next U.S. Ambassador to Panama, following a series of controversial remarks regarding the Panama Canal. Trump had previously suggested the U.S. should regain control of the canal, accusing Panama of exploiting American vessels that pass through the waterway.
In a statement on Wednesday, Trump said, “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.” He added that Cabrera, who had worked on Trump’s presidential campaign in Florida, would “do a FANTASTIC job representing our nation’s interests in Panama!”
Controversial Social Media Posts
Trump continued to fuel tensions regarding U.S. territorial expansion with posts on social media. He criticized the operation of the Panama Canal, and in a Christmas message, he claimed that Chinese soldiers were “illegally” operating the canal. He also reiterated his complaints about Panama exploiting U.S. vessels, suggesting the U.S. had invested billions in the canal but had little say in its management.
“Merry Christmas to all, including to the wonderful soldiers of China, who are lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “We lost 38,000 people in its building 110 years ago, always making certain that the United States puts in billions of dollars in ‘repair’ money, but will have absolutely nothing to say about ‘anything.’”
Trump also made waves with his comments about Canada and Greenland, suggesting that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state and implying that Greenland, which is under Danish control, should be part of the U.S. “The citizens of Greenland want the U.S. to be there, and we will,” Trump said.
A Broader Negotiating Strategy?
Trump’s territorial comments may be part of a broader negotiation tactic tied to his trade policies. His remarks about Canada and the Panama Canal appear to serve as leverage in discussions about U.S.-Canada relations, particularly concerning trade tariffs. His call for control of the Panama Canal came shortly after he suggested Panama should reduce fees for U.S. vessels passing through.
It remains unclear whether Trump’s calls for territorial expansion reflect serious intentions or are simply part of his broader rhetoric on reshaping U.S. trade policy. His transition team has declined to clarify the exact motivations behind his comments.
Christmas Messages and Criticism
In addition to his remarks about the Panama Canal, Trump used his social media to attack various political figures. He wished a “Merry Christmas to the Radical Left Lunatics” and expressed his displeasure with President Joe Biden’s recent commutation of 37 federal inmates’ sentences from death row to life in prison.
“I refuse to wish a Merry Christmas to those lucky ‘souls’ but, instead, will say, GO TO HELL!” Trump posted.
Trump also reiterated his position on the death penalty, stating that he would direct the Department of Justice to “vigorously pursue the death penalty,” criticizing Biden’s decision to commute the sentences of federal inmates.
Conclusion
Trump’s recent actions and statements have sparked significant controversy, particularly regarding his stance on U.S. control of the Panama Canal and his broader views on territorial expansion. His appointment of Kevin Marino Cabrera as Ambassador to Panama appears to be a step toward advancing his foreign policy agenda, but questions remain about the true motivations behind his provocative rhetoric.
