El Salvador's President Bukele Responds to Criticism from Rep. Ilhan Omar

Nayib Bukele, El Salvador's president, dismisses criticism from U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar, emphasizing his popularity and successful crime reduction efforts.

Rep. Ilhan Omar criticizes President Nayib Bukele's governance in El Salvador, urging the U.S. to review its relationship with the country.
Bukele, boasting high approval ratings, dismisses Omar's critique and highlights his administration's success in drastically reducing crime.
Under Bukele's leadership, El Salvador's homicide rate has significantly dropped, with a notable decrease from 51 homicides per 100,000 in 2018 to 2.4 in 2022.
Bukele's measures, including the suspension of some civil liberties and mass detentions, have sparked debate over human rights and authoritarianism.
Despite criticism, Bukele remains popular in El Salvador and among some international observers, with his approach being considered for emulation by other countries facing gang violence.