Trump to Host El Salvador's Bukele at the White House on April 14
The meeting will focus on cooperation between the U.S. and El Salvador regarding gang-related issues.
On April 14, U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele at the White House.
The announcement comes as the White House spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, highlighted Bukele's cooperation with the U.S. as a model for other nations.
Bukele has aligned closely with the Trump administration, notably agreeing to house deported individuals in Salvadoran prisons, including the recently inaugurated Terrorism Confinement Center (Cecot), which opened in 2023 and serves as a megaprison designed for gang members.
During the meeting, discussions are expected to revolve around El Salvador's role in managing gang-related issues, particularly concerning the Tren de Aragua and MS-13 gangs.
Leavitt confirmed that the agenda will cover the use of El Salvador's maximum-security prison for members of these criminal organizations.
In a statement, Trump has expressed his gratitude towards Bukele's cooperation in addressing what he termed a 'horrible situation.' He has publicly acknowledged Bukele's efforts multiple times, stating, "Thank you to El Salvador and, in particular, to President Nayib Bukele for his understanding amidst this horrific situation...
We will not forget!"
Since March 2022, Bukele has implemented a campaign against gang violence using a state of emergency policy, which has led to the arrest of over 83,000 individuals.
According to reports, approximately 8,000 of those arrested have been released due to wrongful detention.
Local human rights organizations report that during the state of emergency, at least 368 individuals have died in Salvadoran prisons, raising concerns about the treatment of detainees under the current regime.
The announcement comes as the White House spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, highlighted Bukele's cooperation with the U.S. as a model for other nations.
Bukele has aligned closely with the Trump administration, notably agreeing to house deported individuals in Salvadoran prisons, including the recently inaugurated Terrorism Confinement Center (Cecot), which opened in 2023 and serves as a megaprison designed for gang members.
During the meeting, discussions are expected to revolve around El Salvador's role in managing gang-related issues, particularly concerning the Tren de Aragua and MS-13 gangs.
Leavitt confirmed that the agenda will cover the use of El Salvador's maximum-security prison for members of these criminal organizations.
In a statement, Trump has expressed his gratitude towards Bukele's cooperation in addressing what he termed a 'horrible situation.' He has publicly acknowledged Bukele's efforts multiple times, stating, "Thank you to El Salvador and, in particular, to President Nayib Bukele for his understanding amidst this horrific situation...
We will not forget!"
Since March 2022, Bukele has implemented a campaign against gang violence using a state of emergency policy, which has led to the arrest of over 83,000 individuals.
According to reports, approximately 8,000 of those arrested have been released due to wrongful detention.
Local human rights organizations report that during the state of emergency, at least 368 individuals have died in Salvadoran prisons, raising concerns about the treatment of detainees under the current regime.
