Trump Praises Bukele Amid Reports of USAID Fund Diversion, Extradition Blocking, and Political Pact with MS-13

New reporting reveals that while U.S. President Donald Trump praised Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele as a crime fighter, senior officials in Bukele's government have obstructed a long-running U.S. investigation into the MS-13 gang. In April 2025, Trump and Bukele celebrated a deal to transfer gang members to El Salvador's CECOT prison.

However, U.S. agents suspected that Bukele and his inner circle diverted USAID funds to MS-13 leaders in exchange for political support and reduced violence. Efforts to extradite MS-13 leaders to the U.S. were reportedly blocked by Bukele's government through influence over the Salvadoran Supreme Court and the use of state apparatus to delay or prevent extraditions. Secret meetings allegedly involved offers of political power and financial incentives to MS-13 leaders to lower homicide rates and support Bukele’s party. The Bukele administration also intimidated Salvadoran law enforcement officials cooperating with U.S. anti-gang task forces, forcing at least eight to flee the country with U.S. assistance. Tens of thousands of people were jailed under Bukele's crackdown on gangs, including many detained without sufficient evidence. Bukele defends detaining 1.5% of El Salvador's population, citing a 98% reduction in crime. Meanwhile, nearly 40 journalists and over ten human rights activists have left El Salvador due to pressure and fear of imprisonment for criticizing the government. The Salvadoran ambassador to the U.S. confirmed Bukele requested the return of top MS-13 leaders who could expose secret negotiations with the gang. The Trump administration’s friendly ties with Bukele may have weakened U.S. cases against MS-13 leaders. Reports indicate that Trump’s decision to accept deportees from El Salvador led to the U.S. dropping prosecutions against some MS-13 leaders, who allegedly have knowledge of a corrupt pact with Bukele involving cash and perks in exchange for political loyalty and reduced violence.