US government records indicate that various Latin American leaders have spent significant amounts on lobbying in Washington, notably during the Trump administration. At least ten countries registered officials as foreign agents to advocate for priorities like free trade, security, and energy deals. The analysis highlights specific cases like El Salvador's Nayib Bukele, who leveraged lobbying to gain favorable diplomatic outcomes, and Ecuador's Daniel Noboa, who utilized connections to achieve increased arms support and positive media attention. This reflects a broader trend of transactional diplomacy under Trump, with increased personal ties to regional right-wing leaders.
Since February, Bukele has scored an Oval Office meeting with Trump, a nuclear energy deal, US assurance to help expand his country's notorious mega-prison and an upgraded travel safety rating from the state department.
Under Trump, we've seen a more directly transactional approach to influencing government... I wouldn't say this influence peddling is unprecedented, but the magnitude is.
A lucrative contract with Mercury public affairs may have helped the Ecuadorian president, Daniel Noboa, secure his sought-after photo op with Trump at Mar-a-Lago.
The very personal relationships that have developed with the far right in Latin America have given direct access to the White House.
Collection
[
|
...
]