"Trump Envoy Accused of Protecting El Salvador President from Justice"

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 the Trump administration, of shielding Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele from law enforcement, sparking concerns about potential corruption and abuse of power. According to a report obtained by ProPublica, Johnson allegedly prioritized his close relationship with Bukele over the interests of the US government and the people of El Salvador. The allegations suggest that Johnson may have used his position to shield Bukele from investigations into alleged corruption and human rights abuses. The report, which was not publicly disclosed until now, details a series of incidents in which Johnson allegedly intervened on behalf of Bukele, including blocking efforts by US law enforcement agencies to investigate the Salvadoran president. The allegations have sparked outrage among critics who argue that Johnson's actions undermine efforts to combat corruption and promote accountability in the region. According to an interview with a former State Department official, "Johnson's actions were seen as a clear example of diplomatic overreach." The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, added that "the ambassador's close relationship with Bukele created a perception of favoritism and undermined trust between the US government and the people of El Salvador." The allegations against Johnson are not isolated. In 2020, the US Department of Justice launched an investigation into alleged corruption by Bukele's administration, including embezzlement and money laundering. However, according to sources familiar with the matter, Johnson allegedly used his influence to block the investigation, citing concerns about "diplomatic relations" between the two countries. The controversy surrounding Johnson's actions has sparked a heated debate among experts and lawmakers. "This is a clear example of the Trump administration's willingness to turn a blind eye to corruption and human rights abuses in favor of maintaining good relations with authoritarian leaders," said Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Johnson's actions have also raised questions about his qualifications for the position. According to a review of Johnson's background, he has no prior experience in diplomacy or foreign policy. His appointment was seen as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to install loyalists and allies in key diplomatic positions. The current status of the investigation into Johnson's actions is unclear. However, sources close to the matter indicate that the State Department is conducting an internal review of the allegations. The US Congress has also launched an inquiry into the matter, with lawmakers demanding answers from Secretary of State Antony Blinken about the department's handling of the situation. As the controversy surrounding Johnson's actions continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the allegations raise serious questions about the integrity and accountability of the US diplomatic corps in El Salvador. With the Biden administration facing increasing pressure to address corruption and human rights abuses around the world, the case against Johnson serves as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead. Background Nayib Bukele has been accused of numerous human rights abuses and corruption scandals since taking office in 2019. His administration has faced criticism for its handling of protests and opposition groups, with many accusing him of using violence and intimidation to maintain power. The US Department of Justice launched an investigation into alleged corruption by Bukele's administration in 2020, including embezzlement and money laundering. However, according to sources familiar with the matter, Johnson allegedly used his influence to block the investigation. Expert Opinions "This is a clear example of the Trump administration's willingness to turn a blind eye to corruption and human rights abuses in favor of maintaining good relations with authoritarian leaders," said Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. "The allegations against Johnson are serious and raise questions about his qualifications for the position. He has no prior experience in diplomacy or foreign policy, and his appointment was seen as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to install loyalists and allies in key diplomatic positions," said a former State Department official who spoke on condition of anonymity. Next Steps The current status of the investigation into Johnson's actions is unclear. However, sources close to the matter indicate that the State Department is conducting an internal review of the allegations. The US Congress has also launched an inquiry into the matter, with lawmakers demanding answers from Secretary of State Antony Blinken about the department's handling of the situation. As the controversy surrounding Johnson's actions continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the allegations raise serious questions about the integrity and accountability of the US diplomatic corps in El Salvador. With the Biden administration facing increasing pressure to address corruption and human rights abuses around the world, the case against Johnson serves as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead. This story was compiled from reports by ProPublica and ProPublica.