President Trump Names Ambassador To Country He Says “Is Ripping Us Off”

President Trump announced Kevin Marino Cabrera as his ambassador to Panama.

“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,” Trump said on Truth Social.

“Kevin is a fierce fighter for America First principles. As a Miami-Dade County Commissioner, and Vice Chairman of the International Trade Consortium, he has been instrumental in driving Economic growth, and fostering International partnerships. In 2020, Kevin did an incredible job as my Florida State Director and, this year, advanced our MAGA Agenda as a Member of the RNC Platform Committee,” he continued.

“Few understand Latin American politics as well as Kevin – He will do a FANTASTIC job representing our Nation’s interests in Panama!” he added.

( @realDonaldTrump – Truth Social Post )
( Donald J. Trump – Dec 25, 2024, 2:56 PM ET )

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… pic.twitter.com/BrdtkSh4Ni

— Donald J. Trump TRUTH POSTS (@TruthTrumpPosts) December 25, 2024

Per NBC News:

Cabrera, a native of Miami, won his election for county commissioner two years ago. A steadfast Trump loyalist, he previously served as the Florida state director for Trump’s 2020 campaign and as a member of the Republican National Committee Platform Committee.

ADVERTISEMENT

According to his official page, he was born to Cuban exiles and graduated from Miami Dade College and Florida International University.

His appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.

Trump’s announcement comes after he mentioned the Panama Canal in a series of lengthy social media posts over Christmas Day, and suggested that the U.S. should expand its territory by taking control of Greenland, Canada and also the canal.

On Truth Social, Trump wished a Merry Christmas to all, “including to the wonderful soldiers of China, who are lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal.”

Trump proposed the idea of regaining control of the Panama Canal on Truth Social.

BREAKING: Donald Trump says he may demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States. pic.twitter.com/Jh6zPx4urh

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) December 21, 2024

Full images:

And full text if this is easier for you to read:

The Panama Canal is considered a VITAL National Asset for the United States, due to its critical role to America’s Economy and National Security. A secure Panama Canal is crucial for U.S. Commerce, and rapid deployment of the Navy, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and drastically cuts shipping times to U.S. ports. The United States is the Number One user of the Canal, with over 70 percent of all transits heading to, or from, U.S. ports. Considered one of the Wonders of the Modern World, the Panama Canal opened for business 110 years ago, and was built at HUGE cost to the United States in lives and treasure – 38,000 American men died from infected mosquitos in the jungles during construction. Teddy Roosevelt was President of the United States at the time of its building, and understood the strength of Naval Power and Trade. When President Jimmy Carter foolishly gave it away, for One Dollar, during his term in Office, it was solely for Panama to manage, not China, or anyone else. It was likewise not given for Panama to charge the United States, its Navy, and corporations, doing business within our Country, exorbitant prices and rates of passage. Our Navy and Commerce have been treated in a very unfair and injudicious way. The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, especially knowing the extraordinary generosity that has been bestowed to Panama by the U.S. This complete “rip-off” of our Country will immediately stop….

….The United States has a vested interest in the secure, efficient, and reliable operation of the Panama Canal, and that was always understood. We would and will NEVER let it fall into the wrong hands! It was not given for the benefit of others, but merely as a token of cooperation with us and Panama. If the principles, both moral and legal, of this magnanimous gesture of giving are not followed, then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us, in full, and without question. To the Officials of Panama, please be guided accordingly!

“Thank you, President Trump! I’m humbled and honored by your nomination to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to Panama. Let’s get to work!” Cabrera said.

Thank you, President Trump!

I’m humbled and honored by your nomination to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to Panama.

Let’s get to work! pic.twitter.com/p1N8v3YYLJ

— Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera (@KMCabreraFL) December 25, 2024

Reuters reports:

On Sunday, Trump threatened to reassert U.S. control over the Panama Canal, which it administered for decades before handing it over to Panama in 1999.

Trump said the Central American country, with whom the U.S. has had diplomatic relations since 1903, is “ripping us off on the Panama Canal, far beyond their wildest dreams.”

He accused Chinese soldiers of illegally operating the canal and “always making certain that the United States puts in Billions of Dollars in ‘repair’ money but will have absolutely nothing to say about ‘anything.’”

ADVERTISEMENT

Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino has said China had no influence on the canal’s administration, and on Thursday added that there were no Chinese soldiers at the canal.

“There are no Chinese soldiers in the canal for the love of God, the world is free to visit to the canal,” he said in a speech on Thursday.

This is a Guest Post from our friends over at 100 Percent Fed Up.

View the original article here.