Who is Donald Trump’s pick for ambassador to Panama? What to know about Kevin Cabrera
Kevin Cabrera has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump as the next ambassador to Panama.
The U.S. Senate needs to confirm the pick, which comes at a time that Trump has targeted fees on U.S. ships traversing the Panama Canal.
MORE: Trump picks a Miami-Dade commissioner as ambassador to Panama amid canal controversy
Here’s a look at Cabrera:
Who is Kevin Cabrera?
County commissioner: Kevin Cabrera is one of 13 elected Miami-Dade County commissioners, local lawmakers who oversee development, transportation, the airport and other key issues and areas. He was elected two years ago, propelled by an endorsement from Trump.
Representation: As a county commissioner, Cabrera represents parts of Coral Gables, Hialeah and Miami. He leaned on his backing of Trump, and made “Dade First” his campaign slogan and Miami-Dade First the name of his political committee. Cabrera beat Jorge Fors, then a Coral Gables commissioner.
What is Cabrera’s background?
Politics: The Republican Cabrera is a former lobbyist. He also was director of Trump’s 2020 Florida campaign. Since 2023, Cabrera has worked as Florida director for the America First Policy Institute, a think tank aligned with Trump.
Looking ahead: Cabrera could choose to run for county mayor in 2028 after the county’s current Democratic mayor, Daniella Levine Cava, finishes her second and final term.
Personal: Cabrera, 34, was born in Miami to parents who fled Cuba.
This story was originally published December 25, 2024 at 4:48 PM.