Panic World The man behind Trump's Salvadoran gulags
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Jun 4, 2025 Journalist and political analyst Ricardo Avelar dives deep into the polarizing legacy of Nayib Bukele, El Salvador's internet-savvy president who blends club culture with authoritarianism. He examines how Bukele's embrace of Bitcoin and social media reshaped political engagement while fueling a dictatorship. Avelar highlights the dire consequences of Bukele's tactics against gang violence and protests, revealing a complex landscape of repression and public sentiment. He offers a candid look at the harsh realities of El Salvador's prison system and political climate.
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Club Promoter Origins
- Nayib Bukele started his career as a club promoter and owner in San Salvador.
- He appeared awkward in person, unlike his bold online persona, showing a typical "internet guy" vibe.
Early Social Media Strategy
- Bukele used social media early to build influence despite starting with very few followers.
- He positioned himself as a modern, rebellious leftist criticizing orthodox party members to appeal to millennials.
Bratty Social Media Feuds
- Bukele clashed with an opposing party politician who dismissed him as "jovencito" in a dismissive way.
- He famously responded to a vice president's criticism by tweeting an image of a Snickers bar to end the argument playfully.