The reallocation of $1.8 billion in international support by the Trump administration, together with $400 million for Latin America, represents a key alternative to advance U.S. nationwide safety by a strategic and disciplined strategy.
Assets have to be directed towards dismantling prison networks, countering authoritarian affect, and defending American pursuits, prioritizing concrete actions to maximise influence.
The strategic priorities to comply with are:
• Goal the cartel-state nexus (Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua).
• Counter Chinese language affect by different financing and infrastructure resilience.
• Block narco-terrorist logistics (maritime and aviation interdiction).
• Confront authoritarian disinformation campaigns.
• Strengthen establishments and construct accomplice capability in governance, prosecution, and compliance.
Goal the Cartel-State Nexus
Venezuela’s Cartel de los Soles, designated a Specifically Designated International Terrorist (SDGT) group in July 2025, demonstrates how state power fuses with organized crime.
Nicaragua’s Ortega-Murillo regime and Cuba’s intelligence companies additionally profit from drug trafficking, illicit mining, and human smuggling. Support must be used for sanctions-ready investigations, monetary tracing, and prosecutions.
Counter China’s Affect in Hispanic America
China has expanded its presence by loans, port entry, and telecom infrastructure. The 2025 SOUTHCOM Posture Statement warns that Beijing’s initiatives create long-term safety dangers.
U.S. support ought to:
- Present clear alternate options to PRC infrastructure and port financing.
- Assist governments audit and renegotiate predatory mortgage phrases.
- Safe digital networks in opposition to PRC-controlled telecom suppliers.
Block Narco-Terrorist Logistics
Cocaine, fentanyl precursors, and weapons transfer by regime-protected maritime and aviation corridors. The DOJ indictment of Nicolás Maduro and senior officers highlights the depth of state-criminal convergence.
Redirected support ought to:
- Develop maritime and aviation interdiction intelligence
- Deploy radar, drones, and sensors throughout Caribbean chokepoints.
- Help quick-turn forecast cells for interdiction companions.
Confront Authoritarian Disinformation
Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua amplify hostile propaganda with help from Russia, China, and Iran. Support should fund:
- A Spanish-language disinformation monitoring hub.
- Applications to strengthen impartial media resilience.
- Integration of disinformation monitoring with sanctions and cyber protection.
Strengthen Establishments & Construct Associate Capability
Authoritarian regimes thrive on corruption. Support should strengthen institutional resilience whereas empowering allies. GAO has documented weaknesses in counternarcotics oversight.
- Practice customs, port, and procurement officers to detect corruption.
- Help auditors and prosecutors dealing with advanced monetary crimes.
- Ship OSINT and compliance coaching for prosecutors, coast guards, and banks.
- Construct maritime and aviation interdiction capability throughout accomplice nations.
This debate isn’t about how a lot the U.S. spends, however how support is used. Redirected assets should:
- Disrupt cartel-state economies.
- Counter Chinese language and authoritarian affect.
- Cease cocaine and fentanyl flows at their supply.
- Strengthen companions in opposition to corruption.
Each greenback should weaken adversaries and shield American households — or it’s wasted. Redirected support should not be misused for partisan or ideological initiatives.
It’s a strategic weapon for nationwide protection, and America’s security is determined by it.
The views expressed on this article are these of the writer and don’t essentially symbolize the official place of Gateway Hispanic.
About The Writer
