The President of the United States, Donald Trump, led the meeting called the “Shield of the Americas Summit” in Miami, Florida, this Saturday, a gathering that brought together more than a dozen Latin American leaders aligned with Washington.
The meeting took place at the Trump National Doral Golf Club, owned by the U.S. president, and aimed to boost a regional coalition to combat drug trafficking, strengthen security, and promote political and military cooperation on the continent.
Among the most discussed aspects of the meeting was the absence of Mexico, whose president Claudia Sheinbaum was not invited to the forum.
Leaders of Latin America who participated in the Trump summit
At the so-called Shield of the Americas Summit, heads of state and political leaders from various Latin American countries considered allies of the United States participated.
Among them stand out:
- Javier Milei, President of Argentina
- Rodrigo Paz Pereira, President of Bolivia
- Nayib Bukele, President of El Salvador
- Daniel Noboa, President of Ecuador
- Nasry Asfura, President of Honduras
- Santiago Peña, President of Paraguay
- Rodrigo Chaves Robles, President of Costa Rica
- José Raúl Mulino, President of Panama
- Luis Abinader, President of the Dominican Republic
- José Antonio Kast, elected president of Chile
- Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago
The meeting was presented by the White House as a “historic coalition” to promote freedom, security, and prosperity in the Western Hemisphere.
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Trump announces a new military coalition against the cartels
During his speech to Latin American leaders, Trump announced the intention to create a new regional military coalition to combat criminal organizations dedicated to drug trafficking.
“Just as we eradicated ISIS in the Middle East, we have to eradicate the cartels here”, Trump assured in his speech.
The U.S. president assured that cooperation with allied countries will allow the use of military capabilities to confront cartels and their criminal networks.
“We come to announce a new military coalition to eradicate the cartels and crime”, stated the president.
Trump also called for greater cooperation from Latin American nations to combat the drug trafficking that affects the United States.
Trump claims that Mexico is the “epicenter of the cartels”
One of the most controversial moments of the speech was when Trump claimed that Mexico is the “epicenter of the cartels,” referring to the role of organized crime in the region.
The president stated that his government will do what is necessary to combat these organizations, although he also acknowledged maintaining a positive relationship with President Claudia Sheinbaum.
“I like Sheinbaum, she is a very good person, she has a beautiful voice”, said Trump, although he reiterated his concern about the influence of drug trafficking in Mexican territory due to the proximity between the two countries.
Read more: What tourist attractions, beaches, and dishes can you enjoy in Oaxaca, Mexico, in 2026?
Trump talks about Cuba and anticipates a “big change”
At the same summit, Trump also referred to the political situation in Cuba, stating that the country is going thru a deep crisis.
The U.S. president stated that the Cuban regime is facing economic difficulties and that a political change could occur in the short term.
“Cuba is in its final moments of life, they have no money, they have no fuel. They have a bad regime, which has been bad for a long time. We are waiting for the great change that will soon come to Cuba”, he expressed during his speech before the Latin American leaders.
The Shield of the Americas Summit and its impact on regional politics
The Shield of the Americas Summit represents an attempt by Washington to strengthen political and security alliances with like-minded Latin American governments, especially on issues such as:
- Fight against drug trafficking
- Regional military cooperation
- Border security
- Political stability in the hemisphere
The meeting also reflects the political tensions in Latin America, evidenced by the absence of some key countries in the region, including Mexico.
