Trump Doubles Down on Panama 'Ripping Off' America With New Ambassador Pick

The world is on notice that things will not be business as usual come Jan. 20, 2025, when President-elect Donald Trump takes office once again, with one of those countries hearing from him with strong force being the Republic of Panama. Earlier in the week, my colleague Bob Hoge wrote about Trump's trading barbs with that Central American nation's president over the Panama Canal's future.

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Read More:

 War of Words: Panamanian President, Trump Go Back and Forth Over Future of Canal—'We'll See About That!'

'Complete Rip-Off' Will Stop: Trump Floats Making Panama Canal America's Again

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Of course, Trump also made that (possibly) tongue-in-cheek post about Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau being a future U.S. governor, and he's riffed quite a bit--both during and after November's election--about tariffs for several nations in our hemisphere.

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Bonjour, Governor Trudeau?

Trump Humorously Trolls Trudeau a Little More in Tweet Over Tariff Tussle

Trump Told Trudeau if He Can’t Stop Ripping Off the US, Maybe Canada ‘Should Become the 51st State’

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Now, the incoming president has shared who he's picked to represent the United State in Panama. His endorsement, shared by the transition team on Christmas Day via Truth Social, begins by doubling down on his gripes over how the Panamanians are managing the valuable shipping lane, writing:

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.

 Then it continues in a more conventional vein:

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.

 Few understand Latin American politics as well as Kevin - He will do a FANTASTIC job representing our Nation’s interests in Panama!

We promise to keep popcorn in stock for everyone, for the ongoing war of words with Panama. Until then, Merry Christmas, everyone!

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[Correction: In an earlier version of this article, Panama was referred to as an island nation, which has since been corrected. We regret the error.]