Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has defended her support for United States President Donald Trump, insisting that the Democratic Party’s gains in the November 3 midterm elections will not affect her administration’s relationship with Washington.
Speaking to reporters, Persad-Bissessar dismissed suggestions that the results should prompt a change in her government’s approach to the Trump administration. She maintained that Trinidad and Tobago’s relationship with the United States is based on longstanding diplomatic, economic and security interests rather than the political fortunes of a particular party.
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The Democrats made significant gains in the congressional elections, taking control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The outcome gives the opposition party greater influence over legislation, government spending and congressional oversight during the remainder of Trump’s term.
Persad-Bissessar described the results as predictable, noting that the party occupying the White House has historically faced challenges in midterm elections.
“These midterm results were very predictable and in line with the cycle of midterm election results going back decades,” she said.
The Prime Minister also rejected concerns that the change in congressional control would disrupt cooperation between the two countries, saying that US investment, trade and security arrangements would continue.
She further argued that American foreign policy towards Cuba, Venezuela and the wider Caribbean has remained consistent across successive administrations, adding that Trinidad and Tobago must prioritise its own national interests.
Her comments followed criticism from former Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, who urged the country to reconsider its political and diplomatic alignment with Washington after the election results. Rowley had argued that the outcome should prompt the UNC administration to reflect on its support for Trump’s policies.
However, Persad-Bissessar maintained that her government’s relationship with the United States remains strong, regardless of which political party controls Congress.
The exchange highlights differing views within Trinidad and Tobago’s political leadership over the country’s approach to Washington and the extent to which domestic foreign policy should reflect changes in the US political landscape.
