Trump nominates Miami-Dade official as ambassador to Panama

By Jasper Ward

(Reuters) – U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday nominated Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera to function ambassador to Panama.

Trump described Cabrera as “a fierce fighter for America First ideas” who he stated has been instrumental in driving financial progress and fostering worldwide partnerships.

“Few perceive Latin American politics in addition to Kevin – He’ll do a FANTASTIC job representing our Nation’s pursuits in Panama!” he stated in a publish on Reality Social.

The announcement of his choose for ambassador comes after Trump threatened to reassert U.S. management over the Panama Canal, which it administered for many years earlier than handing over to Panama in 1999.

Trump stated the Central American nation, with whom the U.S. has had diplomatic relations since 1903, is “ripping us off on the Panama Canal, far past their wildest desires.”

In a publish on Reality Social on Wednesday, Trump accused Chinese language troopers of illegally working the canal and “at all times guaranteeing that america places in Billions of {Dollars} in ‘restore’ cash however could have completely nothing to say about ‘something.'”

Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino has stated China had no affect on the canal’s administration.

China doesn’t management or administer the canal, however a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings, has lengthy managed two ports positioned on the canal’s Caribbean and Pacific entrances.