Trump picks ambassador to Panama, knocks Central American country and China in Christmas messages

US President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday nominated Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera to serve as ambassador to Panama.

Trump described Cabrera as “a staunch champion of America First principles” who he said had contributed greatly to economic development and the promotion of international relations.

“Few understand Latin American politics as well as Kevin – You will do a FANTASTIC job representing our Nation's interests in Panama!” he said in the song Truth Social.

The announcement of his ambassadorship comes after Trump threatened to regain US control over the Panama Canal, which he controlled for decades before handing it over to Panama in 1999.

Trump said that the Central American country, with which the US has had diplomatic relations since 1903, “is taking us out of the Panama Canal, beyond their wildest dreams.”

In a letter posted on Truth Social on Wednesday, Trump accused the Chinese military of operating the canal illegally and “always confirms that the United States is putting in billions of dollars in 'repair' money but will never say anything about 'anything.'

The President of Panama Jose Raul Mulino said that China has no influence on the management of this canal.

China does not control or own the canal, but a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings has long managed two ports at the canal's entrance to the Caribbean and the Pacific.

(Reporting by Jasper Ward; Editing by Frank McGurty and Chris Reese)

This article first appeared in USA TODAY: Trump picks ambassador to Panama, knocks country with Christmas message