White House taps special ops vet for key Latin America post, sources say

White House taps special ops vet for key Latin America post, sources say

The White House has appointed Michael Jensen, a retired Air Force commander with extensive special operations experience, to oversee Latin America policy at the National Security Council (NSC), according to two U.S. officials. Jensen's appointment comes amidst a series of staffing changes and policy shifts at the NSC, which has been coordinating U.S. foreign policy across multiple agencies.

Jensen, who served in multiple special tactics groups over two decades, is now the senior director of Western Hemisphere affairs at the NSC. His appointment follows President Donald Trump's public suggestion of military action in Mexico to combat drug cartels. In February, the Trump administration designated six Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, a move that could serve as a legal pretext for U.S. military intervention in Mexico or other countries [1].

Jensen's nomination to serve as assistant secretary of defense for special operations and low-intensity conflict was withdrawn in mid-May. His new role at the NSC comes amid a broader shake-up, with dozens of staffers recently cut and key positions filled by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who now holds top posts at both the NSC and the State Department [1].

The appointment of Jensen, who lacks obvious Latin America policy experience, coincides with the Trump administration's renewed focus on narcotics trafficking and illegal immigration in the region. Rubio has publicly urged the U.S. national security and diplomatic communities to renew their focus on Latin America, indicating a potential shift in U.S. policy towards the region [1].

The appointment of Jensen and the broader changes at the NSC could have significant implications for U.S. foreign policy in Latin America. Investors and financial professionals should closely monitor the developments, as they may impact trade, investment, and geopolitical stability in the region.

References:
[1] https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com,2025:newsml_L2N3S70XF:0-white-house-taps-special-ops-vet-for-key-latin-america-post-sources-say/