El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele recently voiced strong criticism regarding the state of democracy in the United States, following the decision to exclude former President Donald Trump from the Colorado ballot for the 2024 elections.
In a statement released on social media, President Bukele, known for his past support of Trump, reacted to the news that the Colorado Supreme Court had barred Trump from the state’s 2024 ballots, a decision stemming from the events of January 6 at Capitol Hill. His post, which rapidly gained traction online, resonated particularly with conservative circles, amassing nearly 5 million views by Wednesday morning.
Several prominent figures, including those from America First Legal, conservative radio host Larry O’Connor, GOP Congressman Derrick Van Orden, and The Blaze’s Logan Hall, echoed Bukele’s sentiments. Their responses highlighted a shared view of the decision as a critical moment for democracy in the U.S.
This isn’t the first instance of President Bukele commenting on Trump’s legal challenges and using these situations to scrutinize the state of democracy in the U.S. His earlier remarks on social media regarding Trump’s indictment in New York City also garnered significant attention. Bukele, who himself has been subject to scrutiny over the constitutional validity of his re-election campaign in El Salvador, suggested that the arrest of a key opposition figure would be seen differently if it occurred outside the United States.
Reflecting on the bilateral relations during Trump’s presidency, Trump had lauded Bukele’s efforts, especially in tackling the MS-13 gang, during a 2019 meeting in New York City. Trump praised Bukele for his effective approach against the gang, noting his significant contribution to curbing their influence.
Under Bukele’s leadership, El Salvador has witnessed a rigorous crackdown on MS-13 gang members, resulting in numerous arrests, the construction of a large-scale prison, and a notable reduction in homicide rates. These actions have brought Bukele considerable global attention and acclaim for his firm stance on gang violence.