Introduction
On April 14, 2025, US President Donald Trump will host El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele at the White House, spotlighting their partnership in tackling undocumented immigration and navigating trade tensions. As a key US ally, Bukele’s cooperation on deportations has drawn both praise and criticism, while new US tariffs threaten El Salvador’s economy. This article explores the meeting’s agenda and its broader implications.
El Salvador’s Role in US Deportations
Bukele has agreed to accept migrants deported from the US, with over 250—mostly Venezuelans—detained in El Salvador’s CECOT supermax prison. The Trump administration labels them members of the Tren de Aragua gang, but rights groups like Amnesty International have criticized alleged “arbitrary detentions.” Relatives of some deportees dispute gang affiliations. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt emphasized El Salvador’s model for housing gang members, noting a recent visit by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to CECOT.
Trade Tensions and US Tariffs
Despite the alliance, El Salvador faces a 10% US tariff imposed in 2025, impacting its $2.1 billion in exports to the US—clothing, sugar, and coffee—out of $6.5 billion total in 2024, per El Salvador’s central bank. Economist Cesar Villalona warns of export declines, while Jorge Arriaza of the Salvadoran Industrial Association hopes Bukele’s visit clarifies tariff plans. Political scientist Napoleon Campos noted the meeting risks fixating on security over trade and investment opportunities (US-El Salvador Relations).
Economic and Diplomatic Stakes
El Salvador’s economy relies heavily on the US, home to 2.5 million Salvadorans who sent $8.5 billion in remittances in 2024—23% of GDP. Fears of deportation boosted remittances by 14% in early 2025. Bukele’s government also received $6 million for accepting deportees, a sum he called significant for El Salvador. Analyst Carlos Carcach argues Bukele should prioritize protections for Salvadoran migrants in the US. Meanwhile, Trump’s Truth Social post on April 12 framed the partnership as a step toward “eradicating terrorist organizations” and ensuring prosperity (Truth Social).
What Lies Ahead
The Trump-Bukele meeting underscores a complex alliance balancing security, migration, and trade. While cooperation on deportations strengthens ties, tariffs and migration policies pose risks to El Salvador’s economy. As Bukele seeks clarity and stability, the outcome of this White House visit could shape US-El Salvador relations in 2025 and beyond, with global eyes on the results.