Staff Reports
President Donald Trump and El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele called out the media for ignoring dramatic improvements at the U.S. southern border during a meeting at the White House. Bukele praised Trump’s border policies as “remarkable” and questioned why the success isn’t being reported. Trump blamed “Fake News” outlets like CNN, accusing them of hating America.
The two leaders highlighted the sharp drop in illegal border crossings under Trump’s policies. Bukele’s partnership with Trump has led to El Salvador accepting hundreds of deportees accused of gang ties, locking them in high-security prisons. Critics claim some detainees, like Maryland resident Kilmar Abrego Garcia, were wrongly targeted. Bukele dismissed calls to return Abrego Garcia, calling him a “terrorist” and refusing to “smuggle” him back.
Trump praised Bukele’s tough-on-crime approach, which has slashed violence in El Salvador. He floated the idea of sending U.S. criminals to Salvadoran prisons to save money. Bukele welcomed the idea, saying his country is “eager to help” combat crime. Legal experts warn this could violate constitutional rights, but Trump insisted it’s about protecting citizens from “barbarians.”
The media silence on border gains contrasts with intense coverage of Trump’s immigration crackdown. Bukele pointed out the disconnect, asking why positive results aren’t celebrated. Trump argued the press would rather attack him than admit his policies work. He praised Bukele for having the “courage” to partner on solutions Democrats oppose.
Democrats like Sen. Chris Van Hollen condemned the deportation program, calling it unlawful and reckless. They demanded Abrego Garcia’s release, citing court orders for the U.S. to “facilitate” his return. Attorney General Pam Bondi shifted responsibility to El Salvador, saying the U.S. has “no say” in the matter. Bukele mocked the request, saying it’s “preposterous” to expect him to reverse a deportation.
The Supreme Court ruled the Trump administration must help free Abrego Garcia, but officials ignored the order. State Department filings revealed he’s held in a terrorism prison, alive but isolated. His lawyers say he has no criminal record and was deported by mistake. Trump allies dismissed the claims, insisting all deportees are gang threats.
Bukele’s visit underscored his role as a key Trump ally. The two leaders also agreed on banning men from women’s sports, calling it “abusive” to allow biological males to compete against females. Bukele said woke policies “backtrack” on women’s rights, arguing they enable male violence. Trump signed an order banning trans athletes, earning praise from conservatives.
The meeting highlighted a shared vision of nationalism, security, and traditional values. Bukele’s success in El Salvador, where crime plummeted under his authoritarian rule, inspired Trump’s hardline tactics. Both leaders framed their policies as common-sense solutions rejected by elitist media and Democrats. As Bukele left, Trump thanked him for “making El Salvador great again” — a nod to their mutual fight against globalist critics.
