Trump has at times both praised and condemned Bukele – while in the White House he praised cooperation with the then-new leader of El Salvador, but became a critic when he stepped down and focused on immigration, saying Bukele was sending criminals to the US .
But Gaetz (pictured) seems to be a huge fan. He told Time Magazine that he considered Bukele a “soul mate,” and the two exchanged warm greetings as Gaetz led other congressmen into Bukele’s office during a July visit. That trip came just a month after Gaetz, Donald Trump Jr. and others traveled to Bukele’s second inauguration.
Gaetz formed the El Salvador Congressional Caucus with Democratic Rep. Vicente Gonzalez of Texas in July in a rare moment of bipartisanship.
Announcing the new group in the House of Representatives, Gaetz said, “Through inspiration from the astonishing transformation of El Salvador, a great American rejuvenation can also become a reality, so that we can experience a triumphant return to the security and prosperity we once inspired in others.”
The Salvadoran president wasted no time in congratulating Gaetz on his selection as Trump’s AG, posting on X: “I knew you were destined to do great things my friend.”