President Donald Trump is scheduled to host the ‘Shield of the Americas’ Summit on Saturday in Doral, Florida. The White House describes the event as a “historic” gathering of over 17 Latin American countries committed to cooperating with the U.S. On border security and confronting cartels, following the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
A Gathering of Leaders
According to a White House official, President Trump will host heads of state from 12 nations across the Western Hemisphere. Those leaders include Argentinian President Javier Milei, Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz Pereira, Chilean President-elect Jose Antonio Kast, Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves Robles, Dominican Republic’s President Luis Rodolfo Abinader Corona, Ecuadorian President Daniel Roy Gilchrist Noboa Azín, El Salvadorian President Nayib Bukele Ortez, Guyana’s President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Honduran President Tito Asfura, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino Quintero, Paraguayan President Santiago Peña, and the President of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the summit’s purpose is to “promote freedom, security and prosperity in our region.” Leavitt added that the President will be meeting with leaders who have formed a coalition to address criminal gangs, cartels, and illegal migration impacting the U.S. And the Western Hemisphere.
The summit’s prominence has increased following President Trump’s decision to remove Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem from her post, assigning her a new role as a special envoy for “The Shield of the Americas.” Noem informed DHS staff on Thursday that her last day as Secretary will be March 31.
The summit is too occurring during the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, which has caused movement in U.S. Energy markets. To address rising crude oil prices, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Friday that the U.S. Is “drilling expeditiously here at home” and utilizing new markets in Venezuela.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the ‘Shield of the Americas’ Summit?
According to the White House, the purpose of the summit is to promote freedom, security, and prosperity in the region, and to foster cooperation in addressing criminal gangs, cartels, and illegal migration.
Which countries are participating in the summit?
Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago are sending their heads of state to the summit.
What changes have been made to the administration ahead of the summit?
President Trump announced the removal of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, assigning her a new role as a special envoy for “The Shield of the Americas.”
As Latin American leaders gather in Doral, what impact will this summit have on regional security and cooperation in the months to come?
