Trump's backing of De la Espriella fits U.S. Latin America strategy, says analyst

Michael Shifter, president emeritus of the Inter-American Dialogue, views Donald Trump's public endorsement of Colombian presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella not as a surprise, but as a predictable move fitting the U.S. administration's strategy for Latin America.

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the only surprise is that he didn't do it sooner, because he took so long to support him

"The only surprise is that he didn't do it sooner," Shifter commented during an interview on 'Vélez por la Mañana.' He explained that Trump's support for De la Espriella "fits perfectly with the vision, strategy, and focus of this administration in Latin America." Shifter highlighted Colombia's central role in Washington's plans, especially concerning security matters.

He pointed to the recent absence of Colombia, Brazil, and Mexico from a meeting of the "Americas Shield" initiative as a difficulty for advancing a regional strategy. "It is very difficult to talk about a serious fight without the participation of those countries," Shifter noted, adding that the U.S. administration is eager to include Colombia in such efforts, making the endorsement of De la Espriella logical from their perspective.

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fits perfectly with the vision, the strategy and the approach of this administration in Latin America

However, Shifter cautioned that initiatives like the Americas Shield require more than just a "force policy" to succeed. "It's not possible for it to work without Colombia. Colombia is a key player," he stated, questioning whether a purely military approach would be sufficient to address regional security issues. "It's not enough to use more force. Important reforms and a clearer strategy are needed," he asserted.

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It is very difficult to talk about a serious fight without the participation of those countries

Shifter attributed the renewed U.S. interest in Latin America, which he described as having been neglected for years, primarily to internal U.S. factors. He suggested that the MAGA movement aims to protect the U.S. from illicit activities, drug trafficking, and migration, while also projecting American leadership. A key objective is also to limit Chinese influence in the region, though he acknowledged this is a complex task.

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It's not possible for it to work without Colombia. Colombia is a key player.