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 triggered a political earthquake across Latin America, exposing deep divisions in the region. Led by leftist presidents, Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia criticized the U.S. action, while right-wing countries like Argentina, El Salvador, and Ecuador supported it. Smaller nations, such as Guatemala and Peru, remained silent. This event highlights the increasingly aggressive Trump administration's impact on Latin American politics, with countries primarily focused on avoiding conflict with the U.S. Mexico, under President Claudia Sheinbaum, has been particularly pressured to comply with U.S. demands on issues like drug cartels and trade, despite ongoing threats of unilateral action from the U.S.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Ecuador 35% El Salvador 35% Argentina 35% Brazil 40% Colombia 40% Claudia Sheinbaum 50% Mexico ×360% Venezuela ×270% Nicolás Maduro (Maduro) ×380% United States ×385% Donald Trump (Trump) ×1090% Latin America ×595%

Keywords

latin america 100% trump administration 80% u.s. interventionism 80% nicolás maduro 70% political earthquake 70% political division 60% venezuela 60% mexico 50% brazil 40% colombia 40%