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In a significant pivot of focus, former US President Donald Trump convened a summit on 7 March 2026 at his golf club in Doral, Florida, gathering twelve Latin American leaders to forge a united front against the escalating influence of drug cartels in the region. Dubbed the “Shield of the Americas,” the summit aimed to foster regional cooperation and counteract both economic and political encroachments from China, which Trump has framed as a growing threat to the stability of the Western Hemisphere.
An Urgent Call to Action
During the summit, Trump likened the formation of a coalition to combat drug cartels to the previous alliances created to eradicate ISIS, urging attendees to recognise Mexico as the epicentre of cartel-related violence. “The cartels are fueling and orchestrating much of the bloodshed and chaos in this hemisphere,” he stated, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
The gathering included leaders from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago. This assembly came shortly after a high-profile US military operation targeting former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who now faces serious drug trafficking and conspiracy charges in the United States.
Notably, Kristi Noem, the outgoing homeland security secretary, was appointed as a special envoy to this newly minted coalition during the summit, despite her recent dismissal from her position. Her presence symbolized the US commitment to addressing regional security challenges head-on.
Strengthening Ties While Targeting Threats
In a notable moment of international diplomacy, Trump praised Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who was absent from the summit, while simultaneously highlighting the growing power of the cartels. He expressed concern that “the cartels are running Mexico,” signalling a clear warning about the implications for US security in the region.
Additionally, Trump acknowledged Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela’s interim president, for her willingness to collaborate with the current administration, emphasising a shift in US recognition of Venezuela’s government. “She’s doing a great job working with us,” Trump remarked, reflecting a potential thaw in relations as the US seeks to navigate complexities in South America.
Cuba, a longstanding focal point of US foreign policy, was also discussed. Trump asserted that the island nation was on the brink of collapse due to its reliance on Venezuelan oil and a failing economic model. “Cuba is in its last moments of life as it was but it will have a great new life,” he proclaimed, hinting at an optimistic vision for potential change in the region.
A New Doctrine for the Americas
Echoing sentiments that have reverberated through US foreign policy for decades, Trump reiterated a version of the Monroe Doctrine, advocating for a hemispheric strategy to counteract foreign influence, particularly from China. “We will not allow hostile foreign influence to gain a foothold in this hemisphere that includes the Panama Canal,” he insisted, reinforcing the US’s historic role as a stabilising force in Latin America.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed Trump’s sentiments, expressing gratitude for the regional leaders’ commitment to the US. In a pointed remark aimed at the UK’s perceived shortcomings in supporting US military interventions in the Middle East, Rubio stated, “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.”
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth added that the US had historically misallocated its focus, suggesting a need for renewed attention to its own backyard. “We need to prioritise our own borders, our own western hemisphere,” he declared, marking a potential shift in defence strategy that may resonate with a domestic audience weary of foreign entanglements.
Why it Matters
The “Shield of the Americas” summit is emblematic of a growing recognition among US policymakers that security and cooperation in Latin America are inseparable from the broader geopolitical landscape. With the spectre of cartel violence looming large and external threats from China on the rise, the outcomes of this summit could redefine not only US-Latin American relations but also the stability of the region itself. As global dynamics evolve, the need for collaborative approaches to security will be crucial in shaping the future of the Americas, making this summit a pivotal moment in contemporary foreign policy discourse.
