Trump’s uncharitable rhetoric and less-than-civilised treatment of illegal immigrants are, at the very least, likely to fuel more anti-American sentiment in the region. This resentment towards the US may well manifest in building bridges with governments and ideologies that are inimical to US interests.

Throughout history, there have been difficult moments – even serious ones-regarding the relations between the United States and Latin America. The latest is Trump's threat to seize the Panama Canal, which he said he would do while criticizing China's role in managing the trade channel in his January 20 inaugural address.