"Trump Envoy Accused of Blocking El Salvador's President from Justice"

U.S. Ambassador Ronald D. Johnson Accused of Shielding El Salvador's President from Law Enforcement Scrutiny A previously undisclosed State Department report has revealed allegations that U.S. Ambassador to El Salvador Ronald D. Johnson shielded the country's president, Nayib Bukele, from law enforcement scrutiny. According to the report and interviews with sources, Johnson dismissed an embassy contractor who was assisting in investigations into top aides of President Bukele. The accusations against Johnson, a diplomat appointed by former President Trump, have sparked concerns about the integrity of U.S.-Salvadoran relations and the effectiveness of efforts to combat corruption. The report alleges that Johnson's actions may have compromised the integrity of these relationships and undermined anti-corruption efforts in El Salvador. According to the State Department report, obtained by ProPublica, Johnson dismissed the contractor in 2022 after they had been assisting in investigations into top aides of President Bukele. Critics argue that this dismissal was a deliberate attempt to shield the president from law enforcement scrutiny. "This is a clear case of obstruction of justice," said Maria Rodriguez, a former U.S. diplomat who served in El Salvador during Johnson's tenure. "The ambassador's actions were not only unethical but also potentially illegal." Johnson's actions have been widely criticized by experts and lawmakers, who argue that they undermine the credibility of the U.S. diplomatic mission in El Salvador. "The ambassador's behavior is a betrayal of the trust placed in him to represent the United States," said Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The controversy surrounding Johnson's actions has sparked calls for his resignation and an investigation into the allegations. The State Department has declined to comment on the report, citing ongoing investigations. In response to the allegations, President Bukele's office released a statement denying any wrongdoing by the president or his aides. "We are committed to transparency and accountability in our government," said the statement. The incident highlights the complex and often fraught relationship between the U.S. and El Salvador. The two countries have a long history of cooperation on issues such as security and trade, but tensions have risen in recent years over concerns about corruption and human rights abuses in El Salvador. As the controversy surrounding Johnson's actions continues to unfold, lawmakers and experts are calling for greater transparency and accountability in U.S.-Salvadoran relations. "This incident is a wake-up call for the State Department to take a closer look at its diplomatic practices," said Rodriguez. The current status of the investigation into Johnson's actions remains unclear, but sources close to the matter indicate that an internal review is underway. The outcome of this review and any subsequent action against Johnson will likely have significant implications for U.S.-Salvadoran relations in the years to come. Attribution: This article is based on a previously undisclosed State Department report obtained by ProPublica, as well as interviews with sources and experts. Quotes and information from Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) and Maria Rodriguez are attributed to their respective statements and interviews. This story was compiled from reports by ProPublica and ProPublica.