Trump nominates Miami-Dade official as ambassador to Panama amid canal tensions
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Miami-Dade county commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera as the new ambassador to Panama. Trump praised Cabrera for his understanding of Latin American politics and his commitment to U.S. interests. This nomination follows Trump's recent threats to reassert U.S. control over the Panama Canal, which was handed over to Panama in 1999. Trump accused Panama of unfair practices regarding the canal. Panama's president has denied any Chinese influence over the canal's administration. While a Chinese subsidiary manages two ports at the canal's entrances, China does not control the canal itself.