U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has extended warm congratulations to Kamla Persad-Bissessar on her election as Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, signaling a desire for close collaboration with her administration and emphasizing shared priorities with President Donald Trump.
In an official press statement, Rubio applauded the people of Trinidad and Tobago for conducting peaceful and transparent national elections, describing them as “free and fair.” He praised the country’s enduring democratic values and institutions and expressed hope for a strengthened bilateral relationship.
“The United States and Trinidad and Tobago share a strong and enduring partnership rooted in deep historic ties, regional cooperation, and shared goals for prosperity and security. We look forward to working closely with Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar and her administration to strengthen our collaboration on energy security, economic prosperity, and countering transnational crime,” the statement said.
But in a more pointed message on X (formerly Twitter), Rubio struck a notably political tone, framing Persad-Bissessar as an ally of the Trump administration. “Congratulations to Kamla Persad-Bissessar on her election as the next Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago. She is a strong leader, friend, and U.S. ally who shares @POTUS’s priorities on security and immigration,” Rubio wrote.
He added, “We look forward to building a close partnership for the future of Trinidad and Tobago, and the entire Caribbean.”
The comments signal the administration’s interest in aligning regional cooperation with its broader policy goals, particularly on security and immigration—two hallmark issues of Trump’s second term.
Persad Bissessar has promised a government that would be responsive and people-centered. “No one will be left behind, because when UNC wins, everybody wins,” she said. “You will now have a prime minister who cares, a prime minister who loves you…serve the people, serve the people, serve the people.”
Persad Bissessar will also make history as the oldest person to assume the nation’s highest office, entering at age 73.
