President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador and U.S. President Donald Trump held the first part of their official meeting at the White House today, focusing primarily on security cooperation between the two nations. The conversation highlighted a strong alignment on the need to combat criminal networks and reinforce national safety measures.

President Bukele expressed support for Trump’s ongoing efforts, stating that the U.S. leader “is already liberating the United States” from crime. He also reaffirmed El Salvador’s willingness to assist in efforts to enhance security across the region.

President Trump, in turn, criticized the previous Democratic administration for its immigration policies, calling it a “sin” to have allowed the entry of individuals from around the world, including those who, he claimed, have harmed the United States in recent years.

Secretary Kristi Noem also took part in the meeting, personally thanking President Bukele for his role in what she described as a vital “partnership to lock up the worst of the worst.”

During the discussion, President Bukele raised concerns about what he called contradictions in human rights advocacy. Referring to ongoing debates about fairness in women’s sports, he noted that “ten years ago, human rights organizations demanded an end to violence against women, and now they advocate for including trans-identifying men in women’s sports.” His remarks came as President Trump used boxing as an example of a sport where, in his words, “men should never be allowed to compete against women.”

The leaders are expected to continue discussions later today, with topics likely to include migration, economic cooperation, and regional stability.