Borders, Bargains, and Bluster: Did Trump's Day One Set the Tone for Latin America?

President Donald Trump broke tradition at his second inauguration, inviting world leaders, including from Latin America, to attend. But his day-one executive orders initiated a bumpy ride for the region in 2025. What can Latin American countries expect of "America First?" On this episode, three AS/COA experts— Carin Zissis , Brian Winter , and Juan Cruz Díaz —discussed Trump's initial moves on the border and migration, possible Mexico tariffs, the Panama Canal, and his Latin American allies. Listen to the editor-in-chiefs of AS/COA Online and Americas Quarterly , as well as the managing director of Cefeidas Group, on how Trump's second presidency will shape U.S. relations with Latin America. Learn more: Trump and Latin America: Inauguration Day and Executive Orders https://www.as-coa.org/articles/trump-and-latin-america-inauguration-day-and-executive-orders Read the new Americas Quarterly issue: https://americasquarterly.org/article/new-aq-the-risk-from-the-north/ Latin America Is About to Become a Priority for U.S. Foreign Policy, by Brian Winter https://www.as-coa.org/articles/latin-america-about-become-priority-us-foreign-policy Access other episodes of Latin America in Focus at www.as-coa.org/podcast and send us feedback at latamfocus@as-coa.org . Share and subscribe at Apple , Spotify , YouTube , or wherever you get your podcasts. The music in this podcast is "Old Wooden Chair" performed by Nation Beat for Americas Society. Find out about upcoming concerts at: musicoftheamericas.org Opinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of Americas Society/Council of the Americas or its members. Follow us on social media: X: @ASCOA Instagram: @ascoa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascoaonline/ Bluesky: @ascoa.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASCOA/