Assessing the Impact of Latin American Political Figures on Hispanic Voters in the US – Sky Bulletin

OXON HILL, Md. (AP) — At a gathering near Washington, Argentina’s president Javier Milei seized an opportunity to speak to a captivated conservative audience, previously addressed by Donald Trump. Milei commenced with a warm “Hola a todos,” and announced himself as a lion in the room.

“What a beautiful day to make the left tremble,” quipped the populist Milei.

While Milei’s antics may have been fresh to attendees, the far-right leader has been gaining recognition among US Latinos. At the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), he stood alongside Nayib Bukele, El Salvador’s president, who captivated listeners with a critique of George Soros and globalism, delivered in excellent English.

The GOP seeks to leverage connections with such Latin American leaders to bring a sense of familiarity and resonance to Hispanic voters. Emulating the progress made with Venezuelan and Cuban Americans in Florida, Republicans hope ties with renowned figures will appeal to the broader Spanish-speaking electorate.

Mercedes Schlapp, ex-Trump aide, remarked on the long-standing Democratic dominance over Latino votes, highlighting Trump’s 2020 election directive to win Hispanic support. Prominent Latin American politicians attending conservative events is seen as an extension of this strategy.

With over 2.5 million people, Salvadorans in the US outnumber the Cuban community, as noted by Pew Hispanic Research. While smaller, the Argentine diasporas are influenced by leaders like Bukele and Milei, who stand in sharp contrast to leftist regimes in Latin America.

Peruvian immigrant and Republican Jose Aliaga praised Bukele’s effectiveness and echoed Trump’s message of law enforcement and economic growth. Milei’s Trump-like approach, including dramatic campaign stunts like wielding a chainsaw, has captured attention.

Milei’s warm engagement with Trump at CPAC and interactions with US officials reveal a notable interest in the political dynamics at play. Even Senator Marco Rubio, a Cuban American backing Trump, recently met with Milei in Argentina.

Eduardo Verástegui, a conservative Mexican actor turned political adviser, views the inclusion of these leaders in US election activities as potentially transformative for Hispanic voters.

Meanwhile, Biden’s camp criticizes Trump’s outreach to Latinos as insincere, citing his history of anti-immigrant rhetoric. Analyst Benjamin Gedan expresses concern over the possible diplomatic consequences of such alliances.

Bukele’s supporters rallied around him during CPAC, underscoring his popularity born from his aggressive gang crackdown. His critique of past US deportations speaks to a historical understanding and reframing of gang origins in relation to El Salvador.

Hotel employees, part of Bukele’s homeland diaspora, showed enthusiasm for his visit, though not for Trump. This sentiment echoes a nuanced response within the Hispanic community to different Conservative figures.

Contributions to this report came from Patricia Luna of the Associated Press, located in Santiago, Chile.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why are GOP leaders promoting ties with Latin American populist leaders? They aim to use these relationships to appeal to Hispanic voters in the US, especially those familiar with the political landscape of their home countries.
• How does the Republican strategy reflect on previous electoral gains? The strategy mirrors success in South Florida, where strong stances against socialist leaders improved rapport with Cuban and Venezuelan Americans.
• What is the significance of politicians like Javier Milei and Nayib Bukele to US elections? Milei and Bukele are influential among the US Latino electorate, serving as counterpoints to leftist strongmen in Latin America.
• Are these activities endorsed by the US State Department? While interactions with US officials are noted, the State Department hasn’t commented, and the US Embassy refrains from discussing private meetings.
• What does the Biden campaign say about Trump’s outreach to Latinos? Biden’s campaign has vehemently criticized Trump’s attempts to connect with Latinos, citing his prior anti-immigrant positions and actions as president.

Conclusion

The Republican Party’s strategy to align with Latin American populist figures such as Javier Milei and Nayib Bukele indicates a calculated effort to engage Hispanic voters in the US by tapping into their cultural and political perspectives. The success of this initiative may hinge on whether these voters interpret the cooperation as genuine advocacy for common goals or mere political maneuvering. As the American political landscape continues to evolve, the impact and reception of these international relationships by the Hispanic community will be critical to monitor in electoral outcomes.