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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
World
Tom Phillips Latin America correspondent

Trump compared to mobster Tony Soprano by former envoy to Panama

a man in a suit and yellow tie speaks at a podium
Donald Trump has threatened allies such as Mexico and Panama, and embraced adversaries such as Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro. Photograph: Francis Chung/EPA

The former US ambassador to Panama has launched a stinging critique of Donald Trump’s approach towards Latin America, comparing his conduct to that of the ruthless and egotistical fictional mob boss Tony Soprano.

In the first month of his presidency, the US president has shocked some observers with his aggressive focus on a region many expected him to largely ignore. Early steps have included threatening to “take back” the Panama Canal, accusing Mexico’s government of being in cahoots with narco-traffickers, sending an envoy to meet the Venezuelan dictator, Nicolás Maduro, and clashing with Colombia’s president, Gustavo Petro, over deportation flights.

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