Trump nominates Kevin Marino Cabrera as U.S. ambassador to Panama

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Kevin Marino Cabrera, a Miami-Dade County Commissioner, as ambassador to Panama. Trump praised Cabrera for his commitment to "America First principles" and his understanding of Latin American politics. This nomination follows Trump's recent comments about U.S. control over the Panama Canal, which the U.S. handed over to Panama in 1999. Trump accused Panama of unfair practices regarding the canal and claimed Chinese soldiers are involved in its operations. Panama's President José Raúl Mulino has denied any Chinese influence over the canal's administration. While a subsidiary of CK Hutchison Holdings manages two ports at the canal, China does not control the canal itself.