President Nayib Bukele highlighted international recognition of El Salvador’s security achievements after responding to a post on X that referred to “Bukele” as a verb. The exchange began when U.S. broadcaster Todd Starnes noted that Memphis, Tennessee, is home to both Elvis Presley and one of the highest homicide rates in the United States, calling for help to address the city’s crime problem.
Cuban-American filmmaker and commentator Robby Starbuck replied to Starnes’ message, writing, “If @realDonaldTrump wants to take Federal action to clean up crime in Memphis, then I’ll happily volunteer for $0 to lead the operation. I’d Bukele that city extremely quickly. I think a federal crime cleanup of lawless cities is essential after decades of total Democrat failure.”
President Bukele reposted Starbuck’s comment, adding, “FUN FACT: Bukele is now a verb.” The lighthearted remark comes amid growing global attention to El Salvador’s drastic reduction in crime, widely credited to Bukele’s security measures. His administration’s approach, which includes a controversial but effective crackdown on gang violence, has been cited by international figures as a potential model for other cities struggling with public safety.