Trump resurrects US interventionism in Latin America

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Trump’s Bold Interventions: The Real Story Behind Milei’s Victory

In a shocking twist, former President Donald Trump has openly declared that the recent victory of Javier Milei in Argentina’s legislative elections is no ordinary political event—it’s a calculated act of US intervention.

“He had a lot of help from us,” Trump exclaimed while aboard the Air Force One jet, en route to Japan. “I gave him very strong support.” This isn’t just grandstanding; just days before the elections, Trump dangled a jaw-dropping $20 billion bailout for Argentina, aimed squarely at swaying voters and influencing the election outcome.

The Geopolitical Game: America’s Backyard

But Trump’s considerations are not merely about supporting a kindred spirit. This is about reshaping Latin America into America’s playground—a bold revival of the Monroe Doctrine where the United States can manipulate the political landscape to ensure regional dominance, particularly against rising powers like China.

Trump boldly affirmed, “We focus a lot on South America,” revealing America’s blatant, imperialistic interference. The truth is, the US has twisted its foreign policy into a series of brazen maneuvers to assert its control over the continent.

Let’s not forget, when Trump first returned to the presidency, he pressured Panama into cutting ties with China and even threatened military action to seize the canal—an essential artery for American trade. Talk about a show of force! The result? China’s grip on the region loosened, thanks to Trump’s iron fist.

Hostile Actions: The Other Side of Intervention

The aggression doesn’t stop with Panama. Take Venezuela for example, an ally of China. Using the guise of halting drug trafficking, Trump has dispatched military personnel to the Caribbean and conducted bombings against alleged drug boats since August. Covert CIA operations authorized by Trump paint a grim picture of interventionist tactics aimed at dismantling Maduro’s regime.

The hostility of this strategy evokes memories of the Cold War, as the US army recently opened fire off Colombia’s coasts. President Gustavo Petro has found himself facing illegal sanctions imposed by the White House. Is this the “American way” of handling foreign relations?

The economy of Brazil has not escaped Trump’s heavy hand. Punishing tariffs of 50% were imposed as revenge for the prosecution of ex-President Bolsonaro.
Even allies like Nayib Bukele’s El Salvador, are relegated to being dumping grounds for unwanted migrants from the US.

As we look ahead, Trump’s renewed Monroe Doctrine promises more manipulation. The victory of conservative leader Rodrigo Paz in Bolivia sets the stage for Washington to reclaim its foothold in a region once dominated by the left. With Chilean elections on the horizon, the potential for pro-American governments to emerge looms large.