Rubio visits new right wing governments in Latin America

NPR | By Michele Kelemen

Published September 11, 2026 at 5:35 PM EDT

The shift to the right in Latin America is reshaping the U.S. approach to drug trafficking — a shift on display this week as Secretary of State Marco Rubio traveled to three South American countries.

Michele Kelemen

A former NPR Moscow bureau chief, Michele Kelemen now covers the State Department. Her reports can be heard on all NPR News programs — from Morning Edition to All Things Considered.

See stories by Michele Kelemen

Support nonprofit, fact-based public service journalism

WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.

Contribute now

Related Content

NPR News

The other side of 9/11: Afghans reckon with America's long shadow

D. Parvaz

It's been nearly 25 years since the start of the U.S- led invasion of Afghanistan. NPR returns to Kabul to see how Afghans, now back under Taliban rule, are coping with the legacy of that 20 year war.
For swing voters in Michigan, Trump's Canada tariffs feel personal

Mara Liasson

Swing voters in Michigan are sour on the economy — and President Trump's handling of it. That's one takeaway from a pair of focus groups this week.
An Oregon nonprofit harvests fruit from backyards and parks for people in need

Crystal Ligori

In the Portland area, one nonprofit harvests edible fruit from thousands of metro trees, shrubs and bushes and distributes it to people in need.
Mayor of the 'Air Capital of the World' reacts to Trump's threats against Bombardier

Sacha Pfeiffer, Jordan-Marie Smith, Christopher Intagliata

NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer talks with Wichita Mayor Lily Wu about President Trump's tariff war with Canada, Bombardier aircrafts, and the trade war's potential impact on her city.
The intelligence community changed after 9/11. Where is it now?

Mary Louise Kelly, Courtney Dorning, Alejandra Marquez Janse

The 9/11 terrorist attacks changed the nation's approach to national security. NPR's May Louise Kelly speaks with four U.S. officials about the intelligence community's response and where we are now.