Trump appoints special envoy for Latin America
The selection further indicates the Trump administration's determination to prioritize the Western Hemisphere.
TroibNews 
President-elect Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he would appoint Mauricio Claver-Carone, a senior Latin America policy expert who played a significant role in shaping his first administration's approach to Venezuela, as the special envoy to the region. This decision underscores the Trump administration's focus on the Western Hemisphere.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that Claver-Carone, who previously served as the senior director for the Western Hemisphere and led the Inter-American Development Bank, would take on the role of Special Envoy for Latin America, tasked with helping to “restore order” in the region.
“Mauricio knows the region, and how to put America’s interests FIRST,” Trump remarked. “Mauricio will work tirelessly to protect the American People.“
This appointment reflects Trump’s strategy to reinforce U.S. influence in Latin America. His selections for secretary of State and deputy secretary of State, Florida Senator Marco Rubio and former Ambassador to Mexico Christopher Landau, are regarded as seasoned foreign policy veterans with significant knowledge of Latin America and the Caribbean. Additionally, Trump has announced appointments for several regional ambassadorships, including in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Argentina, and Colombia, as well as roles in regional organizations such as the Organization of American States.
Claver-Carone is the latest in a series of special envoys appointed by Trump. Recently, Trump indicated plans to designate special envoys for various missions, including one for the United Kingdom.
During his time at the White House, Claver-Carone was instrumental in implementing the Trump administration's maximum pressure strategy against the Venezuelan government, especially during the crisis involving President Nicolás Maduro and the opposition-led National Assembly.
After leaving the White House, Claver-Carone led the Inter-American Development Bank, an organization dedicated to fostering economic growth in the region. However, he was ousted amid allegations regarding an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate, which he denied, claiming the Biden administration attempted to tarnish his reputation.
Claver-Carone, a child of Cuban exiles from Florida, has also worked at the Treasury Department and held a brief tenure as the acting U.S. executive director of the International Monetary Fund. He lobbied for a tougher stance on the Cuban government.
In addition to his government roles, Claver-Carone has continued to advocate for policies aimed at fostering economic growth in the region. Earlier this year, he wrote in Americas Quarterly that a second Trump administration would prioritize economic prosperity and addressing security issues like migration and drug trafficking.
It remains uncertain how Claver-Carone will coordinate with the State Department's assistant secretary of State for Western Hemisphere affairs, whose appointment has yet to be announced.
Trump's message did not clearly indicate whether Claver-Carone would undergo a Senate confirmation process. However, the mention of the position being associated with the State Department implies that Senate approval may be necessary. While Claver-Carone could face challenges due to the allegations associated with his time at the Inter-American Development Bank, he is not expected to encounter significant opposition from Republicans regarding his viewpoints or background.
Ian Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that Claver-Carone, who previously served as the senior director for the Western Hemisphere and led the Inter-American Development Bank, would take on the role of Special Envoy for Latin America, tasked with helping to “restore order” in the region.
“Mauricio knows the region, and how to put America’s interests FIRST,” Trump remarked. “Mauricio will work tirelessly to protect the American People.“
This appointment reflects Trump’s strategy to reinforce U.S. influence in Latin America. His selections for secretary of State and deputy secretary of State, Florida Senator Marco Rubio and former Ambassador to Mexico Christopher Landau, are regarded as seasoned foreign policy veterans with significant knowledge of Latin America and the Caribbean. Additionally, Trump has announced appointments for several regional ambassadorships, including in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Argentina, and Colombia, as well as roles in regional organizations such as the Organization of American States.
Claver-Carone is the latest in a series of special envoys appointed by Trump. Recently, Trump indicated plans to designate special envoys for various missions, including one for the United Kingdom.
During his time at the White House, Claver-Carone was instrumental in implementing the Trump administration's maximum pressure strategy against the Venezuelan government, especially during the crisis involving President Nicolás Maduro and the opposition-led National Assembly.
After leaving the White House, Claver-Carone led the Inter-American Development Bank, an organization dedicated to fostering economic growth in the region. However, he was ousted amid allegations regarding an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate, which he denied, claiming the Biden administration attempted to tarnish his reputation.
Claver-Carone, a child of Cuban exiles from Florida, has also worked at the Treasury Department and held a brief tenure as the acting U.S. executive director of the International Monetary Fund. He lobbied for a tougher stance on the Cuban government.
In addition to his government roles, Claver-Carone has continued to advocate for policies aimed at fostering economic growth in the region. Earlier this year, he wrote in Americas Quarterly that a second Trump administration would prioritize economic prosperity and addressing security issues like migration and drug trafficking.
It remains uncertain how Claver-Carone will coordinate with the State Department's assistant secretary of State for Western Hemisphere affairs, whose appointment has yet to be announced.
Trump's message did not clearly indicate whether Claver-Carone would undergo a Senate confirmation process. However, the mention of the position being associated with the State Department implies that Senate approval may be necessary. While Claver-Carone could face challenges due to the allegations associated with his time at the Inter-American Development Bank, he is not expected to encounter significant opposition from Republicans regarding his viewpoints or background.
Ian Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
