Staff Reports
Since taking office in 2021, President Joe Biden and his administration have been accused of exerting undue influence on the conservative Guatemalan President, Alejandro Giammattei. Critics argue that the administration fails to recognize the sovereignty of each country and their right to self-governance. A notable instance was the interference in the actions of Guatemala's Attorney General, Maria Consuelo Porras, who was actively combating institutional corruption.
The Biden administration reportedly disapproved of Porras's anti-corruption efforts and allegedly pressured President Giammattei to prevent her reappointment. In response to Giammattei standing firm, the State Department denied Porras entry into the United States, accusing her of corruption – a move viewed by some as hypocritical.
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Former chancellor of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of #Guatemala and current congresswoman-elect Sandra Jovel, denounces to the press that the current ambassador of the United States of America ?? in Guatemala summoned multiple congressmen of the Guatemalan… pic.twitter.com/HeUvptxUYw
— Alex Molina ?? (@alexmolinamgt) January 14, 2024
As Giammattei's successor prepares to assume office, the Biden administration is alleged to be attempting to influence the election of the Speaker of the House in Guatemala's Congress. Critics claim that the administration seeks a candidate aligned with its leftist ideology, employing coercive tactics through U.S. Embassy personnel. Reports suggest intimidation and threats, including the potential removal of visas, business blockades, and other sanctions against congressional members who do not support the administration's preferred candidate.
Congresswoman-elect Sandra Jovel has spoken out against these tactics, revealing that embassy personnel are using a UN-Women employee to convey the message that the U.S. is aware of where they and their families live. Critics argue that this amounts to coercion and manipulation rather than democratic principles.
Allegations have also surfaced that Customs and Border Protection is questioning Giammattei's son at the Miami airport, a move criticized as targeting the family members of foreign leaders. Former acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell is calling for an investigation into these claims, questioning whether this action is linked to Samantha Power, leading the U.S. delegation to the inauguration of Giammattei's successor. Critics argue that such actions suggest an attempt to punish Giammattei for resisting perceived interference.
Calls for Congress to launch an immediate investigation into these allegations have emerged, with concerns about the Biden administration's impact on foreign nations' sovereignty and the intimidation of foreign officials. Critics argue that such behavior not only undermines the principles of democracy and diplomacy but also tarnishes America's credibility on the global stage. The call is for leaders who respect democratic principles and diplomacy, rather than those perceived as power-hungry bullies imposing their agenda on others.
