By Belize Live News Staff: President Donald Trump’s claim that he would have won “in a landslide” if he were on the ballot may be aimed at his supporters, but the results tell a different story, and the fallout could be felt well beyond the United States.
Democrats now control the US Senate, giving them power to investigate the administration, block nominations and push back on the White House’s agenda. That leaves Trump with diminished political capital at home and abroad.
For Belize, several of Trump’s signature policies hit close to home. The war on Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have pushed up fuel prices across the region. BEL’s diesel costs have nearly doubled this year, and the utility is seeking to raise the surcharge on electricity bills. Consumer prices in Belize were up 4.7% in September compared to last year.
US economic conditions also affect Belize’s tourism industry, which saw arrivals fall over the summer as airfares and fuel costs climbed. And Belize is currently in early talks with Washington on security cooperation under the Shield of the Americas initiative.
Rather than acknowledge voter frustration over costs, Trump has blamed Republican candidates and pointed to his “strong veto,” posting a photo of a red cap stitched with the word “VETO.”
Whether a divided Washington leads to a change on the war, tariffs or fuel prices remains to be seen. For Belizean families paying more at the pump and on their light bills, the answer matters.
