Former U.S. Congressman for Florida and founding member of the El Salvador Caucus, Matt Gaetz, has once again expressed strong support for Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele and his government’s policies, praising both security achievements and ongoing economic development.
In a recent post on social media platform X, Gaetz remarked that “El Salvador receives well-deserved recognition for the security miracle it has achieved. They don’t get enough credit for the economic miracle happening right now.” His statement was made in response to a video shared by President Bukele highlighting the inauguration of the Surf City 2 project in Jucuarán, Usulután, aimed at boosting tourism and local infrastructure.
Gaetz encouraged viewers to watch the video, saying it offers a glimpse into “a nation and a leader on the rise,” underscoring the positive impact of foreign and domestic investment in the Central American country.
The former congressman has repeatedly voiced support for Bukele’s governance, particularly his firm stance on public security. In another recent post, Gaetz commented on the transfer of members of the Venezuelan criminal gang Tren de Aragua to the country’s maximum-security prison, known as Cecot. “They come to the United States illegally to do harm… and end up in the Cecot,” he wrote, referencing Bukele’s hardline approach to criminal gangs.
Gaetz also addressed criticism of Bukele in U.S. media. Responding to an opinion piece by Wall Street Journal columnist María Anastasia O’Grady titled “Trump Favors Bad Neighbors,” which questioned U.S. relations with certain international leaders, Gaetz defended the Salvadoran president. “Bukele is a great friend of the United States and a partner for peace and security. Bukele is the model. The WSJ ‘opinion’ piece is a farce,” he stated.
This is not the first time Gaetz has highlighted Bukele’s leadership, previously commending his close relationship with former U.S. President Donald Trump and advocating for stronger bilateral ties based on mutual security interests.
As El Salvador continues to draw international attention for its transformation under Bukele’s leadership, figures like Gaetz are playing a key role in shaping the conversation around the country’s evolving role in regional politics and development.