The previous US ambassador to Panama has criticized Donald Trump’s approach towards Latin America, likening his actions to those of the ruthless and self-centered TV mob boss Tony Soprano. In his first month in office, Trump has surprised many by focusing aggressively on Latin America, making moves such as threatening to reclaim the Panama Canal, accusing Mexico’s government of ties to narcotics traffickers, and sending a special envoy to meet the Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro. John Feeley, who served as the ambassador to Panama until he resigned during Trump’s first term for what he believed were betrayals of US values, expressed his disapproval of the president’s actions. He suggested that Trump’s view of the world resembles that of Thucydides, with the “strong” doing as they wish and the “weak” suffering. Feeley is skeptical that Trump will follow through on his threat to reclaim the Canal and sees a similar pattern of behavior in Trump’s dealings with Maduro, likening him to a mobster who often bribes or corrupts his opponents rather than eliminating them. The former diplomat believes that Trump’s engagement with Maduro is more about furthering his deportation policies rather than accessing Venezuela’s oil reserves. He sees Trump’s treatment of Latin America as an extension of the business practices he employed in Queens with his father, prioritizing exploitation over allowing people from the region to “live in his building.” Feeley expresses his disappointment and anger over Trump’s election and hopes that the US can return to a path of valuing democratic alliances, human rights, and soft power.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/23/trump-tony-soprano