On the heels of his inauguration, President-elect Donald Trump has solidified his commitment to overhaul U.S. foreign policy toward Latin America by appointing Mauricio Claver-Carone as the new Special Envoy for Latin America. Claver-Carone, who previously held prominent positions at the U.S. Treasury and the National Security Council during Trump’s earlier administration, stepped forward as president of the Inter-American Development Bank from 2020 to 2022, bringing noteworthy experience to the role.
Trump introduced Claver-Carone’s appointment as pivotal for "putting America’s interests FIRST" amid what he described as the "chaos and anarchy" engulfing Latin America. He emphasized the need to "restore order" within the hemisphere, signaling his administration’s intentions to pivot dramatically from previous strategies.
Claver-Carone advocates for reshaping U.S.-LATAM relations by focusing on economic development and the promotion of democratic values. His viewpoints align with calls for expanded trade agreements between the United States and Latin American countries, coupled with increased investments targeting the region’s energy and infrastructure sectors. “It’s beyond time for U.S. agencies, together with U.S. investors, to aggressively pursue the capital-intensive, high-quality deals,” Claver-Carone stated, reflecting his campaign to "Make the Americas Grow Again."
Donald Trump had previously initiated ‘America Crece’ during his first term—an investment program targeting energy and infrastructure projects throughout Latin America. This initiative aimed to counterbalance China’s growing influence by fostering U.S. investment partnerships. Although President Joe Biden put America Crece on hold, it remains plausible for revamping under the new administration.
The backdrop of Claver-Carone’s appointment includes persistent critiques directed at President Biden’s approach to Latin America. Under Biden’s leadership, conservatives have increasingly voiced concerns over democratic backsliding and the region's economic instability. This agitation has allowed Trump’s allies to propose renewed U.S. engagement through both economic and political collaborations with friendly nations, positioning firm stances against autocratic governments.
Claver-Carone’s ascendance follows the appointment of former Senator Marco Rubio to lead the State Department, indicating Trump’s inclination to align U.S. Latin America policy more closely with Republican ideals. Political analysts suggest these appointments signify substantial shifts away from previous diplomatic strategies.
Nevertheless, Trump's plumping for multiple special envoys could lead to complications. The president-elect has yet to fill the role of assistant secretary of State for Western Hemisphere affairs, leaving this position largely undefined compared to Claver-Carone's clear directive. By integrating so many new appointments, Trump risks creating conflict within his cabinet, as overlapping responsibilities might challenge effective communication and coherence, especially during global crises or diplomatic negotiations.
“Trump is setting up a laboratory of competing portfolios,” warned one official engaged with the appointment process, emphasizing the potential confusion arising from numerous envoys operating under vague directives. This tainted dynamic could hamper the administration's ability to respond swiftly to urgent matters ranging from natural disasters to geopolitical conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine.
Critics highlight concerns surrounding the authority of Trump’s nominees. For example, the sizable overlap among special envoys could detract from the influence of the secretary of State. Some argue this structure “duplicates or short-circuits” traditional diplomatic hierarchies, prompting foreign officials to navigate communications with multiple representatives instead of directing concerns to the secretary of State.
Democrats may seek to impede the confirmations of several Trump appointees, particularly those nominating ambassadors. Despite this, Trump’s party enjoys control over the Senate, making it likely for many of his choices to receive eventual approval.
While special envoys' roles have proliferated under presidents of both major parties, reports reveal speculation about their ultimate efficacy and strategic implementation. During Trump’s initial term, former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson attempted to slash the number of special envoys tasked with addressing complex geopolitical issues. Nevertheless, the necessity for specialized roles indicates the challenges encountered by traditional diplomats who handle extensive portfolios.
To date, the U.S. has seen the appointment of various special envoys, entailed with diverse responsibilities targeting global crises from Afghanistan to nuclear negotiations with Iran. These positions mainly stem from the pressures of achieving tangible results amid partisan gridlock, leaving Congress to face persistent frustration over the encroaching authority of special envoys.
Despite having new appointees to guide U.S. foreign policy, many remain dubious about not just their legitimacy, but the coherency of the Trump administration's objectives concerning Latin America and beyond.