In a significant pivot towards the Western Hemisphere, former President Donald Trump convened a summit entitled the “Shield of the Americas” on 7 March 2026, at his golf resort in Doral, Florida. The gathering brought together twelve Latin American leaders to address the urgent need for regional cooperation to combat drug cartels and counteract growing Chinese influence in the region.
A New Coalition Against Cartels
Trump framed the summit as a critical step in establishing a “counter-cartel coalition,” drawing parallels to the international efforts against ISIS. “Just as we formed a coalition to eradicate ISIS, we now need a coalition to eradicate the cartels,” he declared, underscoring the belief that the heart of cartel violence lies in Mexico. With cartel activity contributing to widespread violence and instability, he asserted, “We can’t have that. Too close to us, too close to you.”
The summit featured leaders from a diverse array of countries, including Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago. This meeting came on the heels of a US military operation aimed at capturing Nicolás Maduro, the former president of Venezuela, currently awaiting trial on serious charges in the United States.
Strategic Partnerships and Regional Security
Among the notable attendees was Kristi Noem, the outgoing Secretary of Homeland Security, who was appointed as a special envoy for the new coalition. Her presence highlighted the US’s ongoing commitment to addressing the challenges posed by drug trafficking in collaboration with regional partners. Just days before the summit, US law enforcement had provided intelligence for the successful capture of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation cartel, indicating a proactive approach to combating drug-related crime.
During the summit, Trump praised Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, despite her absence, while asserting that cartels were gaining an increasingly dominating presence in Mexico. “The cartels are running Mexico,” he warned, calling for collective action among leaders to combat this growing threat.
Shifting Focus to Neighbourhood Dynamics
Trump’s remarks also extended to Venezuela, where he commended interim President Delcy Rodríguez for her willingness to collaborate with the US. He painted a grim picture of Cuba’s economic state, suggesting that its reliance on Venezuelan oil had left it teetering on the brink of collapse. “Cuba is in its last moments of life as it was but it will have a great new life,” he stated, hinting at potential changes in the island’s governance.
The former president’s speech reiterated a broader theme of US foreign policy, reflecting the “Donroe doctrine” that emphasises regional collaboration to curb foreign influence, particularly from China. “We will not allow hostile foreign influence to gain a foothold in this hemisphere,” he asserted, a sentiment echoed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who underscored the importance of reliable partnerships in the Americas.
A Renewed Commitment to Allies
In a pointed comparison, Rubio critiqued the UK’s support during recent military actions, stating, “At a time when we have learned that an ally, when you need them, may not be there for you, these are countries that have been there for us.” His comments aim to solidify the narrative that Latin American nations are not only allies but invaluable partners in maintaining regional stability and security.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth added that the US has historically focused too much on distant conflicts, urging a renewed commitment to the security of its own borders and immediate neighbours. The summit thus not only seeks to address pressing issues like drug trafficking but also aims to redefine the US’s approach to its Latin American partners.
Why it Matters
The “Shield of the Americas” summit exemplifies a strategic shift in US foreign policy, highlighting a growing recognition of Latin America’s importance in global geopolitics. By fostering alliances to tackle mutual threats like drug cartels and countering Chinese influence, the United States seeks to reinforce its position in the hemisphere while simultaneously enhancing regional security. As this coalition forms, the implications for international relations, economic partnerships, and domestic security strategies will undoubtedly resonate across both continents.
