Trump praises Bukele's tough crime policies in DC religious meeting
Former US President Donald Trump met with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele during a religious event in Washington. The two leaders exchanged praise, with Trump calling Bukele 'shrewd' for handling dangerous criminals. Their discussion also touched on migration policies and crime between their countries.
At a religious breakfast, Trump reflected on his first year in office, noting a rise in Bible sales and more young people attending religious services. He then shifted focus to immigration, claiming his deportation and voluntary departure programmes had removed at least 2.5 million migrants from the US.
During the event, Trump joked with Bukele about not sending 'good people' to America. He later told the crowd that Latin American leaders were 'shrewd' for sending their 'bad people' north. The former president recalled his 2024 campaign rhetoric, where he argued that Latin American criminals made US offenders seem like 'babies' by comparison.
Trump also commended Bukele's approach to crime, praising El Salvador's high-security prisons. Since 2022, the country has used the Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT), built in 2023, to hold transferred criminals, including members of gangs like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua.
The meeting comes as the Republican Party prepares for November's midterm elections. Analysts suggest the party risks losing support among Hispanic and Black voters, groups that backed Trump in the 2024 presidential race.
Trump's remarks highlight ongoing tensions over migration and crime between the US and Latin America. His praise for Bukele's policies contrasts with his criticism of other regional leaders. The Republican Party now faces the challenge of maintaining voter loyalty ahead of key elections.
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