From Bolsonaro and Bukele to Fujimori and De la Espriella: Trump and Latin America’s rightward turn
From Bolsonaro and Bukele to Fujimori and De la Espriella: Trump and Latin America's rightward turn
The Rise of Right-Wing Leaders in a Shifting Political Landscape
From Bolsonaro and Bukele to Fujimori - Latin America has long been associated with leftist governance, but recent elections have signaled a dramatic shift toward the right. This trend is evident in the careers of leaders such as Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro, a battle-hardened politician with decades of experience, and El Salvador's Nayib Bukele, whose rapid ascent to power surprised many. Despite their differing paths, these figures share a common ideological foundation: nationalist rhetoric, populist policies, and a clear admiration for Donald Trump. The influence of the former U.S. president is now visible across the continent, with new leaders emerging who mirror his approach to governance and diplomacy.
Colombia's New Leader: A Trump-Powered Campaign
In Colombia, the rightward shift has culminated in the candidacy of Abelardo de la Espriella, a 47-year-old lawyer and businessman with no prior political experience. His narrow victory over left-wing senator Iván Cepeda—just 200,000 votes—marks the end of a progressive era in the country. De la Espriella’s triumph is not accidental; it was bolstered by strong support from Donald Trump, who praised his campaign on social media and celebrated the outcome as a "victory of the candidate backed by Trump." The U.S. secretary of state, Marco Rubio, echoed this sentiment, expressing optimism about enhanced cooperation on security, migration, and economic ties.
“He won, big!”
This terse message from Trump reflects the growing alignment between the American president and Latin American right-wing leaders. De la Espriella’s victory also brings an end to the tenure of Gustavo Petro, a leftist icon who has long criticized U.S. foreign policy. The transition signals a new chapter for Colombia, one that prioritizes policies favoring Washington and a departure from the socialist ideals that once defined the region.
Peru's Rising Star: Fujimori's Political Legacy
In Peru, Keiko Fujimori, the leader of the Fuerza Popular party, has positioned herself as a formidable contender against Roberto Sánchez. With a family legacy in politics—her father, Alberto Fujimori, previously held the presidency—her campaign focuses on tackling crime and irregular migration, issues that resonate with voters weary of leftist economic policies. Fujimori’s appeal to Washington is more strategic than personal, as she has pledged to deepen ties with the United States if she secures the presidency. This would mark her fourth attempt at the office, a testament to her persistence in a region where leftist governments have dominated for decades.
“My role, if elected president, will be to encourage the United States to become more actively involved again.”
These words, quoted by AFP in April, underscore Fujimori’s intent to align with American interests. While her political strategy mirrors Trump’s emphasis on law and order, her personal relationship with the U.S. leader is less pronounced than that of De la Espriella. Nevertheless, the shared focus on reducing crime and migration has positioned her as a key figure in the continent’s evolving political scene.
A Broader Movement: Right-Wing Success Across the Region
The trend of right-wing ascendance extends beyond Colombia and Peru, encompassing leaders like Argentina’s Javier Milei, Chile’s José Antonio Kast, Ecuador’s Daniel Noboa, Bolivia’s Rodrigo Paz, and Paraguay’s Santiago Peña. Each of these figures has carved out a distinct path to power, yet they all exhibit a strong ideological connection to Trump’s brand of leadership. Milei, for instance, leveraged his television personality background to gain traction, while Kast emphasized economic reforms and anti-corruption measures that appeal to voters disillusioned with leftist governance.
This movement gained momentum in 2019, when Bolsonaro and Bukele both secured presidential victories. Bolsonaro’s policies, which included reducing government regulation and opposing vaccine mandates during the pandemic, drew direct comparisons to Trump’s approach. Similarly, Bukele’s declaration of a nationwide state of emergency to combat criminal gangs and his embrace of cryptocurrencies earned him favor among Trump’s inner circle. His combative style, including self-deprecating remarks like “the world’s coolest dictator,” further resonated with American conservatives.
From Ideology to Action: Trump's Influence on Regional Policies
The alignment between Trump and Latin American leaders is not merely symbolic. In Brazil, Bolsonaro’s administration echoed Trump’s policies on gun rights and skepticism toward international institutions, creating a parallel that surprised analysts. The Brazilian leader even allegedly orchestrated an uprising in Brasília in 2023, mirroring the events in Washington two years earlier. This move, which led to Bolsonaro’s conviction, highlighted the ideological and tactical convergence between the two leaders. Trump’s response was swift, threatening to impose a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports unless the legal case against Bolsonaro was dismissed.
Meanwhile, in El Salvador, Bukele’s success in lowering the homicide rate from 108 to eight per 100,000 people by 2022—according to World Bank data—has been hailed as a model for Trump’s agenda. The U.S. president has repeatedly praised Bukele’s achievements, calling him a “great ally” and one of his “favourite people.” Such endorsements suggest that Trump sees Latin America as a strategic ally, capable of advancing his vision for global governance.
The Future of Latin American Politics: A Rightward Shift
As the 2026 election season unfolds, the influence of Trump’s political philosophy continues to shape outcomes. De la Espriella’s move into the Casa de Nariño on 6 August will mark a pivotal moment, signaling a broader realignment of regional priorities. In Peru, Fujimori’s campaign, though more political than personal, reflects a similar desire to shift focus toward national security and economic pragmatism. These developments are part of a larger pattern that began in 2019, when the right captured the imagination of voters seeking stability and decisive leadership.
Analysts note that the rise of these leaders is driven by a combination of economic uncertainty, social polarization, and a shared distrust of leftist elites. Trump’s policies, particularly his emphasis on reducing immigration and fostering strong alliances with conservative governments, have provided a blueprint that resonates with many in the region. While the political landscape remains complex, the increasing number of right-wing victories suggests a lasting transformation in Latin America’s approach to governance and international relations.
A Legacy of Populism and Nationalism
The rightward turn in Latin America is not just about policy; it represents a cultural shift in how leaders are perceived and how power is exercised. Trump’s style of communication—direct, assertive, and media-savvy—has influenced the strategies of these leaders, who now prioritize strongman tactics and national pride over consensus-building. This trend is likely to continue, with the 2026 elections serving as a litmus test for the enduring appeal of right-wing populism in a region that has historically leaned left.
As De la Espriella prepares to assume the presidency in Colombia, and Fujimori eyes another bid for office in Peru, the continent’s political dynamics are being rewritten. Their campaigns, funded and supported by American interests, underscore the growing importance of transnational alliances in shaping regional policies. For Trump, these developments represent a validation of his leadership style, while for Latin America, they mark a new era defined by nationalist rhetoric and pragmatic alliances with the world’s most prominent right-wing leader.