Trump appoints ambassador to Panama after proposing US control of canal

President-elect Donald Trump on December 25 named Kevin Marino Cabrera, a Miami-Dade County Commissioner, as his pick for US Ambassador to Panama.

The appointment comes shortly after Trump raised eyebrows by suggesting that the US should take control of the Panama Canal, a proposal he first floated over the weekend, Caliber.Az reports referencing US media.

In a statement, 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 praised Cabrera, who had previously worked for his presidential campaign in Florida, calling him a “FANTASTIC” choice to represent US interests in Panama.

Trump has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the operation of the Panama Canal, which he claims is unfairly exploiting American ships that pass through. He continued his critique of the waterway’s management in a Christmas message on social media, where he accused Chinese soldiers of operating the canal and reiterated his belief that Panama is financially benefiting from US ships.

“Merry Christmas to all, including the wonderful soldiers of China, who are lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal (where we lost 38,000 people in its building 110 years ago),” Trump posted on Truth Social. He also criticized the US government’s financial contributions to canal repairs, claiming the US had no say in its operations.

In the same message, Trump took aim at Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, referring to him as “governor” and suggesting that Canada should become the 51st US state. He also reiterated his past suggestion that the US should take control of Greenland, claiming that Greenland's citizens "want the US to be there."

In addition to his territorial comments, Trump shared a conversation he had with hockey legend Wayne Gretzky about running for Prime Minister of Canada. While Gretzky reportedly showed no interest in the role, Trump encouraged Canadians to rally behind the idea.

Trump's rhetoric about territorial expansion is likely part of a broader strategy to reshape US trade policy. His criticism of Panama and Canada aligns with his longstanding approach to leverage economic pressure, such as suggesting the US should take control of the Panama Canal as a means to reduce fees for American ships.

It remains unclear whether Trump's comments are sincere or part of a negotiation tactic. His transition team has declined to clarify his motivations for the statements, and it is uncertain whether his proposals reflect serious policy intentions.

In his Christmas messages, Trump also aimed jabs at the "Radical Left Lunatics" and attacked President Joe Biden’s recent commutation of death row inmates. Trump expressed disdain for the decision, saying, “I refuse to wish a Merry Christmas to those lucky ‘souls,’ but, instead, will say, GO TO HELL!”

Trump also vowed to direct the Department of Justice to pursue the death penalty more aggressively, criticizing Biden's decision to remove most federal inmates from death row.

By Tamilla Hasanova