Policy Priorities
U.S. Leadership in the Hemisphere
We work to guarantee the United States remains the leading economic, political, and military power in the Western Hemisphere.Hemispheric Security is National Security
Our strategy begins with the principle that the safety of the U.S. depends on the stability of our neighbors—security must start at home and next door.Border Integrity and Homeland Defense
From stopping illicit flows to dismantling cartel-state alliances, we push for decisive policies that secure the border and reinforce our internal defenses.Push Back Against Chinese Influence
China is expanding its influence across Latin America—we’re exposing it and pushing back with policy and partnerships that protect U.S. interests.
At the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), we believe that safeguarding the homeland starts with securing our own neighborhood. The Western Hemisphere Initiative was launched to reaffirm and strengthen America's role as the undisputed leader in the region. Guided by the America First vision, we are committed to countering foreign adversaries—such as Communist China—who seek to undermine U.S. influence and stability in Latin America and the Caribbean.
This initiative isn't about short-term fixes—it's a long-term strategy to secure our borders, assert U.S. dominance, and build strong alliances across the hemisphere. By uniting policy, research, and action, the Western Hemisphere Initiative ensures America leads from a position of strength, rooted in sovereignty, and focused on the security and prosperity of our people.
In a fast-moving world, the Western Hemisphere is a front line. Our team is actively engaged—on the ground, in the room, and leading the conversation. We’re tracking critical developments, forging key alliances, and driving the ideas that keep America in command. Because if the United States doesn’t lead here, someone else will—and that’s a risk we won’t take.
Team
The Honorable Chad Wolf
Chair, Homeland Security & Immigration
The Honorable Robert Wilkie
Chair, American Security
Joshua Treviño
Senior Director, Western Hemisphere Initiative, Senior Fellow for Europe, Senior Advisor to the President
Melissa Ford Maldonado
Director of the Western Hemisphere Initiative
Peter J. Brown
Senior Fellow, Western Hemisphere Security and Maritime Affairs
Kristen Ziccarelli
Fellow, Civilizational Action
Emily Cole
Foreign Affairs Coordinator
Latest
Statement
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July 20, 2026
U.S. and Panama Partner to Strengthen Security in Western Hemisphere
The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) today released the following statement from Joshua Treviño, senior fellow for the Western Hemisphere Initiative, in response to the Department of War’s partnership with Panama to protect the Western Hemisphere.
Statement
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July 1, 2026
AFPI Congratulates Colombia’s President-Elect de la Espriella
Issue Brief
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June 17, 2026
Colombia’s Presidential Elections
Colombians voted on May 31, 2026, in the first round of the country's presidential election. No candidate secured the majority required to win outright, resulting in a runoff election scheduled for June 21, 2026. The next president will be inaugurated on August 7, 2026.
Statement
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June 12, 2026
AFPI congratulates Peru President-elect Keiko Fujimori
America First Policy Institute (AFPI) congratulates President-elect Keiko Fujimori on her victory in Peru's presidential election. We commend the Peruvian people for their commitment to democracy and their success in carrying out a free, fair, and peaceful election.
Op-Ed
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May 22, 2026
Trump’s Cuba Gambit
A few weeks ago, the mainstream media was in full panic mode, warning that President Trump was planning to invade Cuba. These claims were overheated and completely off base. President Trump has unveiled a far grander and more sophisticated strategy—one that combines relentless economic pressure with targeted humanitarian assistance and a direct appeal to the Cuban people.
Topics
- Rural Prosperity
- Government Weaponization
- Trade
- American Only Elections
- Clean Votes
- Secure Elections
- Big Tech & Censorship
- Budget, Spending, & Taxes
- Government De-Regulation
- The Administrative State
- Rogue Prosecutors Citizens Rights
- Regulatory Reform
- Border & Immigration
- Asia
- Europe
- Defense
- Israel & the Middle East
- The Western Hemisphere
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issues
Videos
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Mexico, Canada, and Cuba: America Refocuses on the Hemisphere
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Only America Could Do This: Inside Trump’s Venezuela Victory
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Restoring Sovereignty in the Western Hemisphere: The Venezuela Roundtable
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