Title: Trump Announces New Ambassador to Panama and Reiterates Canal Control Demands
SEO Keywords: Trump, Panama, Canal de Panama, Canal Control, American Interests, Kevin Mariano Cabrera, Miami-Dade, International Trade Consortium, Jimmy Carter, China, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, Soberanía de Panamá, Tariffs, Donación, Magnánimo Gesto, Trump’s Threats
Meta Description: Donald Trump announces his next ambassador to Panama while restating his demands for control of the strategic Panama Canal, sparking tension with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino.
With less than two months remaining in office, former U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated Kevin Mariano Cabrera as the new American ambassador to Panama. As reported by EFE, Trump announced the nomination on Wednesday via his Truth Social profile, praising Cabrera as a "fierce fighter for the principles of ‘America First’" and a key figure in driving "economic growth and the promotion of international alliances". In his new role, Cabrera will be responsible for spearheading diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Panama, with a particular focus on addressing the "ongoing theft" of the strategically vital Panama Canal by the Panamanian government.
Trump’s announcement comes amidst increasing tensions between the U.S. and Panama over the control and management of the Panama Canal. Over the weekend, Trump sparked controversy by accusing Panama of "treating us unjustly and imprudently" in relation to the waterway, and threatened to "take it back" due to "ridiculous" tariffs imposed on U.S. ships and companies. The former president further contended that Panama’s mismanagement of the Canal places the interests of U.S. at risk, giving an unfair advantage to competitors such as China, which has gained significant influence in the region.
"When President Jimmy Carter foolishly gave it away, for a dollar, during his time in office, only Panama administered it – not China or anyone else. Not even Panama was allowed to charge excessive fees to the U.S., its navy, and corporations operating within our borders," Trump elaborated in a series of posts on his social media platform. "It was not given away as a gift for others’ benefit, but simply as a sign of our cooperation with Panama, and both countries’"
Trump’s latest remarks escalate the ongoing dispute surrounding the Panama Canal, which dates back to 1914 when the U.S. constructed and later managed the waterway until its handover to Panamanian control on January 1, 2000. In response to Trump’s threats, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino swiftly dismissed the former president’s claims, asserting that "each square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjoining areas belongs to Panama, and always will". Mulino further explained that "tariffs are not a whim; rather, they are determined according to the Canal’s technical council’s recommendations and are essential for maintaining the infrastructure and ensuring the Canal’s economic sustainability" – a sentiment that fell on deaf ears as Trump persisted in his demands.
As the U.S. prepares for a new administration under President-elect Joe Biden, the future of the Panama Canal and the relationship between the two nations remains uncertain. With Trump’s latest appointment and continuing assertions regarding Canal control, the stage is set for a tense period of international diplomacy as the U.S. seeks to protect its interests in the face of a shifting global landscape.
In collaboration with EFE.