Official announcements from the U.S. Department of State or Treasury

Trump Appoints Mauricio Claver-Carone, Former IDB President and Architect of Cuba Sanctions, as Special Envoy for Latin America

Dec 23, 2024, 12:01 AM

Donald Trump has appointed Mauricio Claver-Carone as the State Department's Special Envoy for Latin America. Claver-Carone, who previously served as the Senior Director for Western Hemisphere Affairs at the White House, is recognized for his role in shaping U.S.-Cuba policy and has held various significant positions, including the presidency of the Inter-American Development Bank. Trump's announcement highlighted Claver-Carone's experience and commitment to addressing challenges in the region. This appointment is seen as part of a broader strategy to strengthen U.S. relations with Latin America, particularly in light of the political dynamics involving Cuba and Venezuela. Claver-Carone's previous tenure in the Trump administration included implementing sanctions against Cuba, indicating a continuation of a hardline approach towards the region under the new administration.