Donald Trump is set to host leaders from at least ten Latin American nations at a golf resort in Miami on Saturday, as part of his ongoing efforts to reshape U.S. relations within the region and counter China’s influence. Since regaining the presidency last year, Trump has intensified a controversial approach that seeks to exert American dominance in Latin America, a strategy that has included military action and significant political maneuvers.
Following bold remarks about “taking back” the Panama Canal, Trump’s administration has conducted airstrikes against drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean and Pacific. The U.S. has also seen Trump hand-pick allies in the region, such as arranging a multibillion-dollar bailout for Argentina’s libertarian president, Javier Milei, and backing a rightwing candidate in Honduras’s recent elections. The administration’s assertive tactics extend to Cuba, where Trump has proposed a “friendly takeover” and attempted to cripple the nation’s economy through oil supply restrictions, despite warnings from the United Nations regarding the resulting humanitarian implications.
The White House has branded Saturday’s Shield of the Americas summit as an initiative to bolster freedom, security, and prosperity, although critics suggest it primarily serves Trump’s political interests. The summit will notably feature rightwing presidents from Argentina, Bolivia, El Salvador, and Paraguay, while leaders from Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia, who represent some of the region’s largest economies, have been excluded.
Experts view this gathering as a showcase for Trump’s affinity toward authoritarian and conservative leaders, with no major decisions expected on pressing regional issues such as security and migration. Trump’s officials, including Stephen Miller, have advocated for increased military collaboration to combat drug cartels, painting them as threats comparable to terrorist organizations.
While security remains a paramount concern across Latin America, the Trump administration’s approach has raised eyebrows in major capitals where leaders are wary of human rights implications and violations of international law, particularly in relation to Venezuela and Cuba. For many leaders, maintaining ties with Washington remains a strategic necessity despite underlying discomfort with Trump’s methods.
As the summit draws near, many Latin American politicians are keen to align with Trump’s policies due to the U.S.’s unmatched military and intelligence capabilities. Yet, this ideological affinity highlights a problematic reality: key nations are sidelined in U.S. policy that purportedly seeks to establish regional hegemony.
The unfolding dynamics demonstrate a complex balancing act where regional leaders must navigate their alliances carefully, weighing immediate political calculations against longer-term implications for partnership with the U.S. As Trump and his affiliates continue to exert influence, the future landscape of U.S.-Latin America relations promises to remain contentious and multifaceted.