President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera as U.S. Ambassador to Panama. In his announcement, Trump criticized Panama for what he described as exploitative practices concerning the Panama Canal, raising tensions between the two nations. Cabrera, noted for his understanding of Latin American politics, is expected to navigate these diplomatic challenges while representing U.S. interests in the region. Trump's recent comments about reclaiming the canal and accusations against China further complicate U.S.-Panama relations, which have been strained historically since the canal's transfer to Panama in 1999.