Staff Reports
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has emerged as a global symbol of tough-on-crime leadership, drawing admiration from many Americans who are frustrated with rising crime and weak border enforcement at home. Bukele’s recent visit to the White House, where he met with President Trump, marks a new chapter in U.S.-El Salvador relations, with both leaders doubling down on their commitment to law and order. Bukele’s willingness to accept U.S. detainees, including alleged gang members, into El Salvador’s state-of-the-art mega prison, CECOT, is a bold move that underscores his resolve to tackle criminality head-on.
Since taking office in 2019, Bukele has waged an unrelenting war against gangs, transforming El Salvador from one of the world’s most dangerous countries into a beacon of safety in Latin America. His “iron fist” approach, which includes mass arrests and the construction of the largest prison in the region, has led to a dramatic drop in violent crime. While critics decry his methods as authoritarian, the results speak for themselves: Salvadorans are safer, and the country’s homicide rate has plummeted to historic lows. For many Americans, especially those who support strong borders and tough policing, Bukele’s success is proof that decisive action works.
Bukele’s partnership with the Trump administration has only strengthened his standing among conservatives. By accepting deported gang members and even offering to house dangerous American criminals for a fee, Bukele is providing a real solution to the problem of transnational crime. This stands in stark contrast to the hand-wringing and inaction that too often characterize U.S. policy. The Trump-Bukele alliance is a model of how nations can work together to protect their citizens and uphold the rule of law, rather than bowing to the demands of activist groups and international bureaucrats.
Of course, the left and the globalist establishment are quick to attack Bukele, accusing him of human rights abuses and undermining democracy. But these criticisms ring hollow when compared to the reality on the ground. Salvadorans overwhelmingly support Bukele, re-electing him in a landslide and giving his party a legislative supermajority. The people have spoken: they want safety, order, and a government that puts their interests first. It’s no wonder that Bukele is celebrated at conservative gatherings like CPAC and has forged close ties with leading figures in the American right.
As the United States faces its own challenges with crime and illegal immigration, Bukele’s example offers a powerful lesson. Strong leadership, clear priorities, and the courage to defy the critics are what it takes to restore order and protect the innocent. Instead of lecturing El Salvador about “democratic norms,” American leaders should take note of what actually works. Bukele’s success is a reminder that the first duty of government is to keep its people safe—and that sometimes, tough choices are the right ones.
