El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele met with President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday. Later that night, Bukele tweeted, “I miss you already, President T.” The message got a lot of attention. It showed just how close the two leaders have become.
In the Oval Office, Trump praised Bukele in front of reporters. “Salvadorans have one hell of a president,” he said. The two leaders sat side by side, exchanging warm remarks.
Bukele had already taken note of a Truth Social post from Trump last week. Trump referred to him as “President B” in the message. Bukele seemed to love the nickname and shared it proudly on X.
“President Bukele has graciously accepted into his Nation’s custody some of the most violent alien enemies of the World and, in particular, the United States,” Trump wrote in that April 12 post. “These barbarians are now in the sole custody of El Salvador, a proud and sovereign Nation, and their future is up to President B and his Government. They will never threaten or menace our Citizens again!”
Trump said Monday he’s open to sending violent “homegrown criminals” to El Salvador. But he added it would need to be done legally. The idea caught attention, but no official plan has been detailed yet.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted a message Monday welcoming Bukele. “Honored to join @POTUS in welcoming my friend President @nayibbukele to the United States,” he wrote.
Rubio highlighted the recent deportations of dangerous gang members. “Since my visit to El Salvador, the United States has deported dangerous MS13 and Tren de Aragua gang members to El Salvador’s prison,” he said. “Because of this, our nation is safer and more secure. Our hemisphere is lucky to have two leaders who are totally aligned in their commitment to law and order.”