Trump comment ‘They need us,’ exposes fragile relationship between US and Latin America (includes video story)

Shortly after his return to the White House, President Donald Trump made a controversial statement about Latin America, saying, “We don’t need them. They need us.” His comments reflect a transactional attitude that could affect future relations between the United States and Latin American countries.

The recent conflict between the United States and Colombia, in which both countries threatened tariffs after a dispute over deportations, offers an example of how this stance could continue to affect regional diplomacy. Although the issue was resolved within 24 hours, with Trump backpedaling on a 25% tariff after Colombian President Gustavo Petro agreed to accept allegedly illegal migrants, the tension revealed the fragility of these relationships.

Amid rising concerns, Honduras President Xiomara Castro called Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) leaders to a meeting in Tegucigalpa to address cooperation on migration and human rights. However, the lack of consensus led to the cancellation of the meeting, demonstrating the uncertainty surrounding the relationship between the U.S. and Latin America.

“In the face of a hostile attitude of mass expulsion of our brothers, we would have to consider a change in our cooperation policies with the United States,” said Castro.

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio sets off on a diplomatic tour of Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic this Saturday to reinforce the Trump administration’s agenda.

Nathaly Dominguez is a senior majoring in journalism with a passion for the performing arts. After her studies, she wishes to pursue a career in entertainment media, allowing her to dissect pop-culture at the professional level.