Kevin Marino Cabrera
Kevin Marino Cabrera | |
|---|---|
| United States Ambassador to Panama Presumptive nominee | |
| Assuming office TBD[a] | |
| President | Donald Trump (elect) |
| Succeeding | Mari Carmen Aponte |
| Member of the Miami-Dade County Commission from the 6th district | |
| Assumed office 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Rebeca Sosa |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1990 Miami, Florida |
| Education | Miami Dade College Florida International University (BA) |
Kevin Marino Cabrera (born 1990) is an American politician and former lobbyist currently serving as a Miami-Dade County Commissioner for District 6, a position he has held since 2022. In December 2024, President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Cabrera as the United States ambassador to Panama.[1][2] Cabrera is recognized for his involvement in politics, his leadership within the Cuban-American community, and his close ties to the Trump administration.[3][4]
Early life and education
[edit]Kevin Marino Cabrera was born in 1990 to Cuban exiles in Miami, Florida. As a first-generation American, Cabrera has often cited his family's immigrant background as a major influence on his political career and dedication to public service. He attended South Miami Senior High School and graduated with honors from Miami Dade College. Cabrera holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Florida International University, where he graduated cum laude.[4]
Political career
[edit]Miami-Dade county commissioner
[edit]Cabrera was elected as the Miami-Dade County Commissioner for District 6 in 2022. Representing parts of Miami, Hialeah, Coral Gables, Miami Springs, Virginia Gardens, West Miami, and unincorporated neighborhoods, he won the seat with the endorsement of Donald Trump, defeating former Coral Gables Commissioner Jorge Fors.[1]
As commissioner, Cabrera has championed initiatives that align with his conservative values and Trump’s "America First" agenda. In November 2024, Cabrera sponsored a successful initiative to rename a four-mile stretch of road in Hialeah as "President Donald J. Trump Avenue".[1]
Cabrera serves as vice chair of the International Trade Consortium and the Community Safety, Security, and Emergency Management Committee. Additionally, he serves on the following committees: Airport and Economic Development Committee, Community Health Committee, Biscayne Bay Commission, and the Miami-Dade Biscayne Bay Watershed Management Advisory Board.[4]
Cabrera has also prioritized protecting vulnerable community members, cutting local taxes and fees, enhancing public safety, and safeguarding constitutional rights from government overreach.[4]
Previous roles
[edit]Prior to serving as a county commissioner, Cabrera led the Republican National Committee and President Donald J. Trump’s 2020 re-election campaign in Florida as State Director.[3] He also served as director of Constituent Services for a member of the United States House of Representatives, advocating for the community at the federal, state, and local levels of government.[4]
In 2015, Cabrera was appointed councilman for West Kendall’s Community Council, a local land use and zoning board in Miami-Dade County. He was subsequently elected to a full term unopposed in 2016.[4]
Nomination as U.S. ambassador to Panama
[edit]On December 25, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump announced Cabrera as his choice for U.S. Ambassador to Panama. Trump praised Cabrera's understanding of Latin American politics and expressed confidence in his ability to represent the United States' interests in the region. Cabrera’s nomination is subject to confirmation by the U.S. Senate.[1][2]
In his statement accepting the nomination, Cabrera emphasized his pride in serving as an ambassador and his commitment to advancing America’s interests on the global stage. He also expressed support for Trump’s "bold approach to international diplomacy".[1][2]
Cabrera’s nomination comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Panama regarding toll fees for the Panama Canal. President-elect Trump has criticized the fees as "ridiculous" and has suggested the possibility of retaking control of the canal if costs do not decrease.[1] Trump also expressed concern about potential Chinese influence over the canal, citing strategic and economic implications. Highlighting the current China–United States trade war.[5] Cabrera is expected to play a key role in addressing these issues as ambassador.[2]
Personal life
[edit]Cabrera is connected to the Cuban-American community and frequently credits his family’s immigrant experience as a driving force in his career. He is an advocate for protecting vulnerable community members, cutting local taxes and fees, ensuring public safety, and defending constitutional rights and individual freedoms from government overreach.[4]
Notes
[edit]- ^ Appointment after Senate confirmation for this position.
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f Cone, Allen (2024-12-26). "Who is Kevin Marino Cabrera? Trump picks Miami commissioner for ambassador to Panama - CBS Miami". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
- ^ a b c d Friedman, Lisa (December 25, 2024). "Trump Picks Kevin Marino Cabrera for Ambassador to Panama". New York Times.
- ^ a b "About Commissioner Kevin M. Cabrera". www.miamidade.gov. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Who is Kevin Marino Cabrera? Trump nominates former Florida state director as US ambassador to Panama". The Times of India. 2024-12-26. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
- ^ Pellish, Aaron (2024-12-25). "Trump names ambassador to Panama after suggesting US control of Panama Canal | CNN Politics". CNN. Retrieved 2024-12-27.