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The Trump administration is redirecting $52 million in military aid from countries in Europe and the Middle East to help back US-aligned governments in the Americas.
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The US State Department notified Congress on Tuesday that it would divert the funds from Iraq, Tunisia and NATO members Slovakia and North Macedonia to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Panama.
The US State Department said the funding would go towards combatting “narcoterrorism in our backyard” and helping “continue to secure the Panama Canal,” adding that it would “prevent adversaries from establishing strategic footholds in our hemisphere.”
The impacted countries are still expected to receive some assistance despite the change, although the exact amount is unclear.
Trump has increasingly turned his attention to the Americas since his return to the White House in January 2025, carrying out strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats coming from the region and launching an operation to capture former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. He has also sought to gain access to Venezuela’s oil industry – striking a major oil deal with Caracas in August.
But Trump has also worked to deepen relations with governments he considers aligned to his goals as he looks to build the US’ presence in the region.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio made a trip to South America last week as part of this push, meeting with the conservative leaders of Peru, Colombia and Ecuador to pledge further support and cooperation.
In Europe, however, Trump has made no secret of his wish to reduce the US’ role, repeatedly hitting out at European NATO allies over their defence spending and threatening to withdraw American forces from the continent.
In August, the State Department said it also planned to announce a $1 billion security package for new Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella’s right-wing administration.
The office of the spokesperson for the department said the package aimed to help Washington and Bogotá achieve “our shared goals.”
Trump has long been complimentary of de la Espriella, calling him a “smart, strong, and tough leader” and promising the “total support and strength of the United States behind him.”
Additional sources • AP
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