**The U.S. ambassador's relationships and actions appear misaligned with Washington's priorities, raising concerns about national security and foreign diplomacy.**
**Trump’s Ambassador to El Salvador Draws Scrutiny for Close Ties with President Bukele**
**Trump’s Ambassador to El Salvador Draws Scrutiny for Close Ties with President Bukele**
**Ronald Johnson's Diplomatic Strategy Questioned Amid Allegations of Gang Collusion**
April 9, 2025, 12:11 p.m. ET
Ronald Johnson, who served as President Trump's envoy to El Salvador, reportedly cultivated an unusually intimate relationship with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele shortly after assuming his role. Nominated amid the Trump administration's campaign against notorious gangs like MS-13, Johnson's connection with Bukele has raised eyebrows among U.S. officials. Not only did the pair share personal moments on social media, presenting a united front, but their camaraderie persisted even as Bukele faced allegations of colluding with local criminal organizations.
Insiders allege that Johnson prioritized shielding Bukele over addressing severe issues related to gang violence and criminality that affect both nations. This close allegiance led to the alarming dismissal of an embassy investigator probing these alleged connections. Three former officials suggest that Johnson’s actions seemed to diverge significantly from U.S. diplomatic objectives, sparking concerns about the potential implications for both American interests and regional stability amidst rising gang activity in Central America.
Ronald Johnson, who served as President Trump's envoy to El Salvador, reportedly cultivated an unusually intimate relationship with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele shortly after assuming his role. Nominated amid the Trump administration's campaign against notorious gangs like MS-13, Johnson's connection with Bukele has raised eyebrows among U.S. officials. Not only did the pair share personal moments on social media, presenting a united front, but their camaraderie persisted even as Bukele faced allegations of colluding with local criminal organizations.
Insiders allege that Johnson prioritized shielding Bukele over addressing severe issues related to gang violence and criminality that affect both nations. This close allegiance led to the alarming dismissal of an embassy investigator probing these alleged connections. Three former officials suggest that Johnson’s actions seemed to diverge significantly from U.S. diplomatic objectives, sparking concerns about the potential implications for both American interests and regional stability amidst rising gang activity in Central America.
