Overview
- At President Gabriel Boric’s direction, the Foreign Ministry delivered an official protest to the U.S. embassy, with Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren calling the comments inappropriate and an intervention in internal affairs.
- Ambassador-designate Brandon Judd said he was very disappointed by Boric’s criticism of the United States, argued ideologically aligned governments are easier partners, and noted the U.S. has an opinion that one government may be better for Chile.
- The remarks came less than three weeks before Chile’s December 14 presidential runoff between center-left Jannette Jara and far-right José Antonio Kast.
- U.S. State Department deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott defended administration priorities, saying embassies should report on abortion-related subsidies and diversity policies while criticizing what he called destructive new ideologies.
- Both governments highlighted ongoing ties as the United States remains Chile’s second-largest trading partner, with $31.636 billion in exchange in 2024 alongside cooperation on the digital economy, border security and organized crime.