Marco Rubio: Latin America is 'full' of US allies

Latin America is now predominantly comprised of allies and leaders favorable to the United States, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Speaking at a Senate hearing, Rubio described the region as "full" of countries aligned with Washington's interests and orientation. He characterized this widespread alignment as a significant achievement.

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In general terms, it is now a region full of allies of the United States, of leaders sympathetic to the United States and with a favorable orientation towards the United States.

However, Rubio pointed to several exceptions, including Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela, which he described as presenting ongoing challenges. He also noted Brazil, currently in an electoral cycle, and, to some extent, the current government of Colombia, led by President Gustavo Petro, as problematic.

Rubio emphasized the formation of a "coalition of friendly countries" working together on critical security issues. He specifically referenced the "Americas Shield" alliance, an initiative spearheaded by President Donald Trump to combat drug trafficking, which has garnered support from right-wing governments in countries like Argentina, Chile, and Ecuador.

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the exception of Nicaragua, Cuba and, obviously, Venezuela, which continues to present some challenges, and, of course, Brazil, although it is in the middle of an electoral cycle, and to some extent also the current Government of Colombia, whose president has been problematic.

The Secretary of State expressed satisfaction with this development, contrasting it with what he termed twenty years of US "abandonment" in the region. Rubio suggested that this period allowed China to increase its influence on the continent. He noted a shift towards the right in several Latin American countries since Trump's return to power in January 2025, citing examples like Bolivia, Honduras, and Chile.

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a coalition of countries friends who have aligned to work on 'the difficult security issues'.

The article also touches upon upcoming elections in Brazil, where progressive incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is expected to face conservative senator Flávio Bolsonaro, son of Trump ally Jair Bolsonaro. In Venezuela, the US maintains its stance following the capture of former president Nicolás Maduro. Regarding Cuba, Trump has previously threatened intervention to force political change.

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an important achievement