In a recent X post, Senator Marco Rubio expressed disappointment with the Biden administration for allegedly ignoring key allies, specifically pointing out the relationship with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele. Rubio commended Bukele’s leadership in making El Salvador a safer country and suggested that President Biden should take it as an example instead of overlooking valuable allies.
During a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), President Bukele revealed that the Biden Administration had not shown interest in collaborating with his government, unlike the administration of former President Donald Trump. Bukele emphasized the importance of the United States as El Salvador’s primary partner in various aspects and expressed his government’s willingness to work. However, he noted that working together might not be a priority for the current administration.
When asked about the comparison between the Trump and Biden administrations, Bukele stated that the relationship with the previous administration was much better, citing more interest from their part compared to the current administration.
The Biden Administration has maintained a critical stance towards El Salvador, particularly regarding the crackdown on gang violence and Bukele’s reelection. Disagreements arose over a Salvadoran law criminalizing reporting on certain gang activities, with the Biden administration expressing concerns about potential censorship. Bukele accused the administration of siding with gangs in response.
Another point of contention was Bukele’s landslide reelection, which faced objections from the Biden administration due to El Salvador’s constitutional prohibition against presidential reelection. Bukele was able to run again following a court ruling that allowed it under certain circumstances. The Department of State criticized the ruling as «undermining democracy,» and Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian Nichols called for a debate on its legality.
The Biden Administration further imposed sanctions on key members of Bukele’s cabinet, alleging their involvement in negotiations with criminal gangs. Senator Rubio, who met with Bukele, criticized the administration for «alienating» Central American allies, accusing it of treating friends less favorably than enemies.