Nayib Bukele, El Salvador’s President and self-proclaimed ‘world’s coolest dictator,’ is set to visit the White House on Monday, marking a significant development in the bilateral relationship between the two countries. Will his anti-gang crime strategy, which has led to a reduction in homicides, be met with cooperation from the US or will human rights concerns come to the forefront?
Nayib Bukele, El Salvador‘s President and self-proclaimed ‘world’s coolest dictator,’ is set to visit the White House on Monday. This marks a significant development in the bilateral relationship between the two countries, with Bukele becoming the first Latin American leader to receive an official invitation to the Oval Office since ‘Trump took office.’
Nayib Armando Bukele Ortez is the current President of El Salvador, a position he has held since June 2019.
Born on July 24, 1981, in San Salvador, El Salvador, Bukele rose to prominence as the mayor of Soyapango from 2015 to 2018.
He won the presidential election with a landslide victory, becoming the youngest president in El Salvador's history at just 37 years old.
Bukele's presidency has been marked by controversy and polarization, with critics accusing him of authoritarian tendencies and supporters praising his efforts to combat gang violence and stimulate economic growth.
Combating Gang Crime: A Successful Strategy?
Bukele‘s campaign focused on combating corruption and gang crime, which led to his election in 2019. In 2022, he declared a state of emergency to tackle the high homicide rates, resulting in the arrest of over 85,000 people, with only 1,000 convicted of crimes. While this strategy has led to a significant reduction in homicides, from over 2000 in 2019 to just 114 last year, many human rights organizations have condemned Bukele‘s actions for violating human rights and due process.
A Populist Leader: Building a Following
Bukele‘s popularity at home is undeniable, with up to 80% approval ratings. He won his re-election in 2024 by a landslide, largely thanks to his anti-immigration policies and the support of regional fans, including ‘MAGA Republicans.’ Donald Trump Jr. attended Bukele‘s second-term inauguration, and the Trump administration has close diplomatic ties to El Salvador.
Cooperation with the US: A Mixed Bag
The Trump administration has been supportive of Bukele‘s deportation strategy, which has led to the imprisonment of hundreds of alleged Venezuelan and Salvadoran gang members in El Salvador. However, this policy has received a mixed response from the Supreme Court, which has permitted further deportations under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act but ruled that deportees must be given due process.
What’s on the Table at the White House?
At their meeting on Monday, Bukele and ‘Trump’ are expected to discuss cooperation on migration, tariffs, and the potential detention of ‘dangerous‘ American criminals in El Salvador. While the details of this policy remain unclear, it is evident that Bukele‘s visit marks a significant development in the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
A Complex Relationship: Evaluating Nayib Bukele’s Leadership
Bukele‘s leadership has been marked by controversy and criticism from human rights organizations. While his strategy to combat gang crime has led to a reduction in homicides, it has also raised concerns about due process and human rights. The visit of the White House marks a significant moment in this complex relationship, highlighting the need for greater scrutiny and evaluation of Bukele‘s leadership.
