Fact Check: In the early years of his presidency, El Salvador President Nayib Bukele allegedly cut a deal with the leaders of the MS-13 gang, according to a ProPublica investigation.

Fact Check: "In the early years of his presidency, El Salvador President Nayib Bukele allegedly cut a deal with the leaders of the MS-13 gang, according to a ProPublica investigation."

What We Know

A recent investigation by ProPublica has revealed significant allegations against El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele regarding his administration's relationship with the MS-13 gang. The investigation indicates that Bukele's government may have cut a secret deal with MS-13 in the early years of his presidency, which began in 2019. This inquiry, initially aimed at dismantling the gang's leadership, expanded to include the possibility of corruption and collusion between Bukele's administration and the gang.

Key findings from the investigation include:

Senior officials in Bukele's government allegedly impeded U.S. efforts to investigate MS-13, blocking extraditions of gang leaders who could have provided evidence regarding these negotiations (ProPublica).
There are suspicions that Bukele and his inner circle may have diverted U.S. aid funds to MS-13, effectively providing the gang with financial support in exchange for political favors, including votes and reduced homicide rates (Latin Times).
The investigation revealed that Bukele's administration has a history of negotiating with gangs, which predates his presidency, suggesting a pattern of behavior that aligns with the allegations (World Politics Review).

Analysis

The evidence presented in the ProPublica investigation is substantial and comes from a variety of credible sources, including interviews with current and former U.S. and Salvadoran officials, as well as internal documents and court records. The reliability of ProPublica as a source is noteworthy; it is a well-respected nonprofit newsroom known for its investigative journalism and commitment to uncovering abuses of power (ProPublica).

Critically, the investigation highlights the systemic issues within Bukele's administration, including the obstruction of justice and potential corruption. The claims that Bukele's allies blocked extraditions and threatened law enforcement officials who cooperated with U.S. investigations are corroborated by multiple sources, including Latin Times and Economic Times. Furthermore, the investigation's findings align with previous reports that have indicated a history of negotiations between Bukele and gang leaders, suggesting that the allegations are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of behavior (World Politics Review).

However, it is essential to consider the political context in which these allegations arise. Bukele has positioned himself as a strongman against gang violence, which has garnered him significant popularity in El Salvador. This popularity could influence public perception and the political ramifications of the investigation, potentially leading to biased interpretations of the findings (ProPublica).

Conclusion

Based on the evidence presented, the claim that President Nayib Bukele cut a deal with MS-13 gang leaders in the early years of his presidency is True. The investigation by ProPublica provides compelling evidence of collusion and corruption within Bukele's administration, supported by credible sources and corroborated by historical context. The implications of these findings raise serious questions about the integrity of Bukele's governance and his administration's commitment to combating gang violence in El Salvador.

Fact Check: In the early years of his presidency, El Salvador President Nayib Bukele allegedly cut a deal with the leaders of the MS-13 gang, according to a ProPublica investigation.