Trump Shakes up Latin American Politics

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 7 min read 100% complete by Jack Nicas and Ana IonovaJanuary 11, 2026 at 11:16 AM

AI Summary

long article 7 min

In January 2026, the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro under President Trump triggered a political crisis in Latin America. The event exposed deep divisions, with leftist governments like Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia criticizing the action, while right-wing nations such as Argentina, El Salvador, and Ecuador supported it. Smaller countries like Guatemala and Peru remained silent. This interventionist approach by the Trump administration has created a scramble for self-preservation among Latin American nations, all seeking to avoid conflict with the U.S. Mexico, under President Claudia Sheinbaum, is particularly exposed to Trump's demands, leading to actions against cartels and tariffs on Chinese goods in exchange for Trump's favor, despite continued threats of U.S. intervention. Trump has stated his intention to maintain American dominance in the Western Hemisphere.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Argentina 50% Ecuador 50% El Salvador 50% Colombia 60% Claudia Sheinbaum 60% Brazil 60% Mexico ×370% Venezuela ×270% United States ×280% Nicolás Maduro (Maduro) ×380% Donald Trump (Trump) ×1090% Latin America ×590%

Keywords

latin america 100% trump administration 80% u.s. interventionism 80% nicolás maduro 70% political earthquake 70% american dominance 60% venezuela 60% foreign policy 50% mexico 50% political division 40%