Guatemalan Congressman Héctor Aldana, of the conservative Vamos party, made a bold statement this week by wearing a red pro-Trump hat during a Congressional session to celebrate U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s victory.
The hat, emblazoned with “Take America Back” and Trump’s name alongside the American flag, earned applause from several lawmakers who also expressed their support for Trump.
Aldana described Trump’s win as a “refresh” and a pivotal moment for Guatemala and Latin America. “Today, we take a turn for Latin America,” he said, emphasizing his belief that Trump represents an opportunity for strengthened ties between the region and the U.S.
He compared Trump to other prominent conservative leaders, saying, “I still maintain that we have good Latin American leaders like [Argentine President] Javier Milei, like [Salvadoran President Nayib] Bukele, and today we have President Trump.”
In earlier remarks, Aldana praised Trump as an “objective person” whose policies focus on “the protection of life” and “our spirituality.” He celebrated Trump’s victory as a “respite for the world and a respite for all the countries of Latin America.”
The Vamos party, which ruled Guatemala under conservative President Alejandro Giammattei until January 2024, has historically maintained strong ties with the U.S. under Trump’s administration.
Giammattei was openly critical of President Joe Biden, denouncing his administration’s approach to purchasing oil from Venezuela as akin to “nourishing the devil.” He also condemned Vice President Kamala Harris’s inaction on the southern border crisis.
Despite Biden’s sanctions on Giammattei after he left office, Aldana expressed hope that Trump’s return will allow Latin America and the U.S. to be “on the same wavelength.” Aldana also responded confidently when questioned by reporters, adding humorously that he would send his “regards” from the U.S. once he visits.
The leftist current president of Guatemala, Bernardo Arevalo, also extended congratulations to President-elect Trump, signaling the country’s intent to maintain strong bilateral relations, which have endured for 175 years.
