Podcast Summary: How El Salvador's Strongman Bukele Inspired Trump

Podcast Information:

• Title: Bulwark Takes
• Host/Author: The Bulwark
• Description: Bulwark Takes delivers concise analyses on daily news from The Bulwark team, including insights from contributors like Tim Miller, Sarah Longwell, and Bill Kristol.
• Episode: How El Salvador's Strongman Bukele Inspired Trump
• Release Date: March 25, 2025

1. Introduction to Rosario Marin

The episode features Rosario Marin, a distinguished guest with a notable background in U.S. politics. Marin is recognized as the first and only immigrant woman to serve as the Treasurer of the United States, appointed by President George W. Bush and confirmed unanimously by the Senate.

Rosario Marin [00:23]: "I am the first and so far the only immigrant woman to have been the Treasurer of the United States. It's a great honor... I represent the immigrant community."

Marin emphasizes her immigrant roots from Mexico and her commitment to representing and advocating for the immigrant community, highlighting the significance of her role in the U.S. government.

2. Rosario’s Trip to El Salvador and Observations on Security

Marin discusses her recent trip to El Salvador, initially intended to support an organization aiding people with disabilities through her involvement with Special Olympics. During her visit, she engaged with members of President Nayib Bukele's administration.

Rosario Marin [01:44]: "I was invited to attend some meetings and to support an organization that provides services to people with disabilities..."

Marin recounts her observations of the dramatic improvement in security under Bukele's leadership compared to her previous visit:

Rosario Marin [03:01]: "I saw people walking at 10:30 at night. I saw women walking at 10:30 at night, which was unheard of. This is really amazing."

She notes a palpable sense of safety and reduced insecurity, contrasting sharply with the problematic environment she previously witnessed.

3. El Salvador’s Security Measures and Comparisons to the U.S.

Marin delves into the security strategies implemented by Bukele's administration, which involved a combination of local police actions and federal support. A key tactic was the identification and arrest of alleged gang members based on visible tattoos associated with gangs like Mara Salvatrucha.

Rosario Marin [03:01]: "They created their units over there in El Salvador... If you have a tattoo, most likely you're a gang member."

This method resulted in the mass arrest of approximately 87,000 individuals in initial sweeps. Marin acknowledges the problematic nature of this approach, including the arrest of innocent bystanders:

Rosario Marin [07:21]: "Some of these people have been innocent... They're soccer players, they're musicians."

Marin draws parallels to the Trump administration's strategies in the U.S., suggesting that policies may be inspired by Bukele's methods, raising concerns about due process and constitutional protections.

4. Bukele’s Relationship with the Trump Administration

The discussion shifts to the political dynamics between Bukele and the Trump administration. Marin highlights Bukele’s perceived snub by the Biden administration when a scheduled meeting did not materialize, which may have pushed Bukele closer to Trump’s circle.

Rosario Marin [09:04]: "When President Bukele was here in the United States... that meeting was unable to secure... it seemed or it appeared that that was something that was not accepted."

This lack of engagement with the Biden administration may have fostered a closer relationship with Trump and his allies, influencing U.S. policies on immigration and security.

5. The Chilling Impact of Security Policies on Democracy

Marin expresses deep concern over the erosion of democratic principles in the U.S., drawing comparisons to El Salvador's authoritarian tactics. She emphasizes the importance of upholding constitutional protections, even when addressing crime.

Rosario Marin [11:06]: "I'm very strong on crime... we do it within the context of the Constitution, and we respect the Constitution of the United States."

She warns against unilateral executive actions that bypass judicial orders, labeling such moves as "chilling" and contrary to American democratic values.

Rosario Marin [13:07]: "This is not an authoritarian country. It is very frightening. And where it is leading us to."

6. Rosario’s Stand Against Anti-Immigrant Policies

Marin recounts her experience working with Governor Pete Wilson during the campaign against Proposition 187 in the 1990s, a measure aimed at restricting immigrant rights in California. Despite political pressure, Marin stood firm against the proposition, demonstrating her commitment to integrity and immigrant rights.

Rosario Marin [14:59]: "I'm going to do everything in my power to defeat Proposition 187... that's unacceptable."

Her stance, though initially facing resistance, ultimately contributed to Proposition 187 being struck down as unconstitutional, leaving a lasting impact on California’s political landscape and reinforcing her dedication to upholding moral standards over partisan pressures.

7. Conclusion: Upholding Democratic Integrity

The episode concludes with a reflection on the importance of maintaining democratic integrity and the rule of law. Marin underscores the necessity of resisting authoritarian tendencies and preserving the constitutional safeguards that define the United States.

Rosario Marin [17:06]: "Prop 187, even though it passed, it was found unconstitutional... the damage that that did to the Republican Party in California, we see the results today."

Host Adriana and Marin emphasize the critical need for vigilance in protecting democratic institutions and ensuring that policies aimed at security do not compromise fundamental rights and freedoms.

Notable Quotes:

• Rosario Marin [00:23]: "I am the first and so far the only immigrant woman to have been the Treasurer of the United States."
• Rosario Marin [03:01]: "I saw people walking at 10:30 at night. I saw women walking at 10:30 at night, which was unheard of."
• Rosario Marin [07:21]: "Some of these people have been innocent... They're soccer players, they're musicians."
• Rosario Marin [11:06]: "I'm very strong on crime... we do it within the context of the Constitution."
• Rosario Marin [14:59]: "I'm going to do everything in my power to defeat Proposition 187... that's unacceptable."
• Rosario Marin [17:06]: "Prop 187... was found unconstitutional... the damage that that did to the Republican Party in California, we see the results today."

This episode of Bulwark Takes provides an in-depth analysis of the interplay between El Salvador's security policies under President Bukele and their potential influence on U.S. politics, particularly within the Trump administration. Rosario Marin's insights offer a critical perspective on the balance between security and constitutional rights, reflecting broader concerns about democratic erosion in contemporary governance.