Trump Hosts Latin American Leaders at 'Shield of the Americas' Summit to Address Security Challenges

US President Donald Trump hosted the 'Shield of the Americas' summit in Florida, gathering a dozen Latin American and Caribbean leaders to form a coalition against drug cartels, organized crime, and illegal immigration. The initiative aims to strengthen regional security cooperation, counter foreign influence—particularly from China—and promote US interests. Attendees include right-leaning leaders like Argentina's Javier Milei, El Salvador's Nayib Bukele, and Chile's president-elect Jose Antonio Kast. The summit reflects a broader US strategy to assert influence in the Western Hemisphere amid regional security challenges and geopolitical competition.