Costa Rica minister fired for unapproved meeting with Trump in US | Donald Trump News
Costa Rican President Dismisses Foreign Minister Over Unapproved Summit Attendance
Published on Sept. 24, 2026
Costa Rican President Laura Fernandez has terminated Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar following his unannounced participation in a U.S.-led regional security summit, which President Donald Trump also attended. The government has stated that Tovar’s decision to attend the “Shield of the Americas” meeting without prior notification hindered Fernandez’s own ability to participate and jeopardized national interests.
Fernandez asserted that she should have represented Costa Rica at the summit, which aims to combat drug trafficking and organized crime in Latin America. Tovar’s absence of communication reportedly violated protocols, particularly in light of Fernandéz’s alignment with Trump’s administration.
The meeting, held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, included several conservative Latin American leaders and concluded with a joint statement from fifteen coalition members. They expressed their resolve to implement asset freezes, visa restrictions, and pursue criminal accountability against the supporters of 24 criminal organizations.
This summit represents the administration’s ongoing efforts to unify the region in a tougher stance against drug trafficking. Since taking office again last year, Trump has labeled drug cartels as foreign “terrorist” organizations and initiated multiple strikes on maritime vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific believed to be transporting narcotics to the U.S.
As Costa Rica grapples with a rise in drug-related violence, the future direction of the country’s foreign policy remains uncertain. Tovar did not comment extensively on his dismissal, offering only his gratitude to Fernandez, who has been in office since May.
Indiana Trejos, currently serving as Costa Rica’s Minister of Foreign Trade, has been appointed as the acting foreign minister and will officially take on the role upon her return from the UN General Assembly.
