Mike Pence Courts Chilean Leaders, Offers Trump a Direct Line to Next President – Breaking News
Santiago, Chile – Former US Vice President Mike Pence delivered a keynote address to a gathering of Chilean business, political, and financial elites last night, marking the 13th anniversary celebration of Picton, a prominent investment management firm. The event, attended by over 850 guests, provided a rare glimpse into Pence’s post-vice presidential activities and offered pointed commentary on US foreign policy, particularly concerning Venezuela and the importance of strong US-Chilean ties. This is a breaking news development with significant implications for Google News and SEO visibility.
A Lavish Celebration and a Powerful Alex Reed
The anniversary event, hosted in the gardens of El Mercurio newspaper, was a lavish affair featuring oysters, Chilean delicacies like loco and crab canapés, and a dedicated cheese and dessert bar. The gathering, planned annually by Picton co-founder Matías Eguiguren, drew a who’s who of Chilean society – family office executives, bankers, lawyers, politicians, and intellectuals. Notably, the event was smaller than last year’s, which featured a speech by former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Echoes of January 6th and a Constitutional Defense
Carlos Schaerer, editor of El Mercurio, opened the event with remarks drawing parallels between former Chilean President Piñera and Pence, specifically referencing their responses to periods of political unrest. Schaerer highlighted both leaders’ commitment to upholding constitutional order – Piñera during the 2019 social outbreak in Chile, and Pence during the January 6th, 2021 assault on the US Capitol. Pence himself addressed the events of that day, recounting his presence at the Capitol with his family and expressing anger at the looting, but stating he was not afraid. This moment, and the broader discussion of constitutional principles, is likely to fuel further debate and analysis in the coming days.
US-Chile Relations: A Call for Direct Communication
Pence’s speech focused heavily on strengthening the relationship between the United States and Chile. He emphasized the importance of a strong partnership in confronting regional challenges, particularly regarding Venezuela. He lauded Chile’s support for freedom in Venezuela and advocated for increased collaboration on drug interdiction efforts to combat cartels. Perhaps most strikingly, Pence offered direct advice to Chile’s next president: “I would simply say four words: ‘pick up the phone.’ and don’t call a diplomat or someone on the Treasury team. Whoever is the next President should call my President.” This suggestion underscores the Trump administration’s preference for direct leader-to-leader communication and signals a continued interest in maintaining close ties with Chile.
Venezuela: A Consistent Stance
Pence reiterated his administration’s firm stance against the Maduro regime in Venezuela, stating they took “consistent measures” to address the situation. He framed this as a shared value with Chile, recognizing the country’s historical support for democratic principles in the region. Understanding the historical context of US involvement in Latin America is crucial here. For decades, the US has played a complex role in the region, often intervening in political affairs. Pence’s comments reflect a continuation of that legacy, albeit framed as support for democracy.
Secret Service Scrutiny and a Symbolic Gift
The event concluded with a symbolic gesture – Picton co-founder Matías Eguiguren presented each panelist with a traditional Chilean poncho. However, the presence of the US Secret Service added an unusual layer of security. Reports indicate agents repeatedly instructed attendees to lower their hands and refrain from hugging Pence during photo opportunities, even asking them to remove their hands from their pockets. This heightened security protocol underscores the continued security concerns surrounding high-profile political figures, even in seemingly benign settings.
Pence’s visit to Chile and his address to the nation’s elite represent a significant moment in US-Chilean relations. His emphasis on direct communication, coupled with his strong stance on Venezuela, signals a continued US interest in the region and a desire for close collaboration with Chile. As Chile prepares for its next presidential election, Pence’s advice to “pick up the phone” will undoubtedly resonate with candidates and shape the future trajectory of the bilateral relationship. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage and in-depth analysis of this developing story.
