Kast Signals Closer Ties With Trump Amid Chile Policy Shift
Newly sworn-in Chilean President José Antonio Kast has indicated a shift in foreign policy toward stronger ties with the United States, as Donald Trump seeks to reinforce American influence across the Western Hemisphere.
Kast, who has largely avoided commenting on several controversial international issues, has nonetheless made gestures toward the Trump administration and praised the U.S. operation that led to the capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
The signals intensified after Kast abruptly ended the transition process with outgoing president Gabriel Boric following a dispute over a proposed submarine cable project linking Chile with China. The project drew criticism from Washington and contributed to growing diplomatic tensions between the Boric government and the United States.
Relations between Chile and the United States had deteriorated during Boric’s tenure, as the former president openly criticised Trump’s leadership style and foreign policy approach.
Trump has since shown clear support for Kast, inviting him to the “Shield of the Americas” summit in Miami, a gathering of right-leaning leaders from across the region, including Nayib Bukele and Javier Milei.
Crime and immigration dominate agenda
Kast previously lost the 2021 presidential runoff to Boric, when his conservative views on issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage along with praise for former Chilean ruler Augusto Pinochet faced strong public resistance.
However, four years later, rising concerns over organised crime and migration helped boost support for his tougher security stance. Kast secured backing from about 60 percent of voters after promising stricter border controls and tougher law-and-order policies.
The new president has also praised the crime-fighting strategy of Salvadoran leader Bukele and has vowed to criminalise illegal immigration, expand deportations and strengthen border barriers.
First 100 days seen as crucial
Political analysts say Kast’s first 100 days in office will be critical in shaping the direction of his administration, particularly as he faces a divided parliament while attempting to push through key reforms.
According to risk analyst Mariano Machado of Verisk Maplecroft, strong momentum and clear policy direction early in the administration could encourage political alignment, while a lack of clarity could weaken the government’s agenda.
Kast’s presidency marks one of Chile’s most significant political shifts to the right in decades, with security, migration and economic reform expected to dominate his government’s priorities.
