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Rubio calls growing U.S. influence in Latin America an 'extraordinary achievement'
🇵🇦 Panama /Elections & Politics

Rubio calls growing U.S. influence in Latin America an 'extraordinary achievement'

From TVN Panamá · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio hailed the "extraordinary achievement" of a majority of Latin American governments now aligning with the United States.
  • Rubio noted that nearly every recent election has brought pro-U.S. leaders to power, citing Keiko Fujimori's recent assumption of office in Peru as the latest example.
  • Despite this trend, only about half of the region's governments are clearly aligned with Trump's policies, with Mexico and Brazil remaining on the left, and Cuba facing a severe economic crisis.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio celebrated what he termed an "extraordinary achievement" on Friday, highlighting the current alignment of a majority of Latin American and Caribbean governments with the United States.

Speaking at a cabinet meeting, Rubio stated, "For the first time in 15 or 20 years, the vast majority of countries in the Western Hemisphere are now led by pro-American leaders and pro-American governments." He specifically addressed President Donald Trump, adding, "Practically in every election that has taken place since you were elected president, a person who is pro-American has been elected."

For the first time in 15 or 20 years, the vast majority of countries in the Western Hemisphere are now led by pro-American leaders and pro-American governments. It is an extraordinary achievement.

— Marco RubioRubio described the current political landscape in Latin America and the Caribbean during a cabinet meeting.

Rubio pointed to Keiko Fujimori, who took office in Peru this week, as the most recent leader to join a conservative wave in the region aligned with Trump. The State Department reported that Rubio spoke with Fujimori by phone on Friday.

However, the article notes that despite this perceived trend, only about 17 countries, roughly half of the region's governments, are led by figures clearly aligned with Donald Trump's "aggressive and anti-immigrant policies." Major regional powers like Mexico and Brazil remain on the left, while Colombia is reportedly poised to elect an ultra-right candidate. Cuba is grappling with a severe economic crisis and lost a key ally in Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who was detained by U.S. military forces. Venezuela has since aligned with Washington's energy and economic agenda, though Nicaragua maintains a defiant stance. The Organization of American States (OAS) is scheduled to hold a special meeting on Nicaragua at the U.S.'s request.

Practically in every election that has taken place since you were elected president, a person who is pro-American has been elected, and I think this is an incredible situation.

— Marco RubioRubio addressed President Donald Trump while discussing the election outcomes in the region.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by TVN Panamá in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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