Trump-Appointed Diplomat Accused of Shielding El Salvador's President from Law Enforcement
A previously undisclosed State Department report has accused US Ambassador Ronald D. Johnson, appointed by former President Trump, of shielding El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele from law enforcement scrutiny. According to the report, Johnson dismissed an embassy contractor who was assisting in investigations into top aides of President Bukele.
The allegations against Johnson have sparked concerns about the integrity of US-Salvadoran relations and the effectiveness of efforts to combat corruption in El Salvador. Critics argue that Johnson's actions may have compromised the integrity of these efforts and undermined trust between the two countries.
According to a State Department report obtained by ProPublica, Ambassador Johnson dismissed an embassy contractor who was assisting in investigations into top aides of President Bukele. The report alleges that Johnson's actions were motivated by a desire to protect the Salvadoran president from law enforcement scrutiny. "The ambassador's decision to dismiss the contractor was seen as a clear attempt to shield the president and his aides from accountability," said a source familiar with the matter.
The allegations against Ambassador Johnson are not isolated incidents. In 2022, Johnson was accused of interfering in an investigation into corruption within the Salvadoran government. According to ProPublica, Johnson's actions were seen as a "clear attempt to shield the president and his aides from accountability." The report also alleges that Johnson's actions may have compromised the integrity of US-Salvadoran relations.
Critics argue that Ambassador Johnson's actions are a clear example of the Trump administration's willingness to prioritize politics over law enforcement. "The Trump administration's approach to diplomacy was always about advancing their own interests, rather than upholding the rule of law," said a former State Department official.
Ambassador Johnson has not commented on the allegations against him. However, his actions have sparked concerns among lawmakers and experts who are calling for greater transparency and accountability in US-Salvadoran relations.
The current status of the investigation into Ambassador Johnson's actions is unclear. The State Department has declined to comment on the matter, citing ongoing investigations. However, lawmakers are pushing for greater transparency and accountability in US-Salvadoran relations.
In a statement, Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said: "The allegations against Ambassador Johnson are deeply concerning and raise serious questions about the integrity of our diplomatic efforts in El Salvador. We need to get to the bottom of this and ensure that our diplomats are working to uphold the rule of law, not shield corrupt officials from accountability."
As the investigation into Ambassador Johnson's actions continues, one thing is clear: the allegations against him have sparked a renewed focus on transparency and accountability in US-Salvadoran relations.
This story was compiled from reports by ProPublica and ProPublica.
