May has been an important month for the advancement of President Trump’s “America First” policy in Latin America.
Oil agreements with the dictatorial regime in Venezuela were canceled. Narcoterrorism charges were filed against Mexican cartels for the first time. The Bahamas said no more to human trafficking in Cuba, Argentina rejected an invitation from Communist China and Ecuador signed an energy alliance with Israel.
Venezuela, a key ally of Iran, will no longer benefit from oil agreements signed with the Biden administration. Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on X, “The U.S. will not waver in our support for Venezuelans’ fighting for democracy and the safe return of all wrongfully detained Americans.” This is good news for Latin America, but also for Israel, Iran’s foe.
Argentina said no to China. President Javier Milei announced last September that he would travel to Beijing, but he did not. Argentina instead sent a low-level delegation and ultimately rejected signing the declaration of the China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States Forum. The U.S. has strengthened its economic, political and military alliance with Argentina, one of the richest countries in Latin America, known for its extensive oil and mineral resources.
Ecuador’s new government has strengthened its alliance with the U.S. and with Israel. In a region influenced by Iran and China, things are changing under new American leadership. President Daniel Noboa is promoting intelligence cooperation against drug trafficking, an energy alliance and the opening of a new office in Jerusalem — a dramatic change for an old friend of Palestine.
Paraguay remains firm in its relationship with the U.S. and with Taiwan. The South American country has weakened China’s strategy of displacing Taipei’s presence in Latin America. A few days ago, Japan and Paraguay signed an agreement elevating their relationship to a strategic partnership — a severe blow to China and a powerful message of support for the U.S. and Taiwan.
China and its ports are losing ground. Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo and Adm. Alvin Holsey, chief of U.S. Southern Command, signed an agreement to provide expertise and technical assistance for the modernization of the Quetzal Port. The agreement will enhance the port’s role as a strategic commercial node for the region, strengthening security and upgrading services. The strategy is in line with U.S. efforts to ensure port and maritime safety in several Latin American countries, including Panama. Guatemala is also a key ally of Taiwan and a strong supporter of U.S. migration policy.
A new milestone in the fight against drug trafficking was also recently achieved: For the very first time, Mexican drug cartels are being charged with narcoterrorism. On May 13, the Department of Justice announced charges against the leaders of the Sinaloa cartel for narcoterrorism, material support of terrorism and drug trafficking. This is a key step forward in the fight against the trafficking of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamines and heroin into the U.S.
Fighting human trafficking is another key of effort of U.S. foreign policy in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Bahamas has decided to review its support for the Cuban dictatorship. American leadership has been key in getting the Bahamas to pledge to directly pay Cuban doctors, ending the regime’s human trafficking business. These changes show the way for a new approach on the relationship with Cuba.
America is back — not only bringing order and safety to the U.S.-Mexico border, but strengthening its relations with Latin America. Drug cartels are feeling greater pressure, Iran is no longer visiting the region with warships and China is desperate to maintain its partnerships in the Americas. These changes are helping to build stronger ties with the U.S., Israel and Taiwan.
Trump’s “America First” policy is also a “Latin America First” policy, creating greater prosperity, security and wellbeing for all.
Arturo McFields is an exiled journalist, former Nicaraguan ambassador to the Organization of American States, and a former member of the Norwegian Peace Corps. He is an alumnus of the National Defense University’s Security and Defense Seminar and the Harvard Leadership course.
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