Several American lawmakers attended a summit in Mexico City, aiming to address issues related to U.S. global dominance. The event, known as the second annual Panamerican Congress, was held from July 26 to July 28, 2025, and featured a range of leftist delegates from across the Americas, including prominent Democrats such as Rep. Ilhan Omar and Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Minnesota. Organized by Progressive International, a group that advocates for anti-capitalist policies, the congress sought to promote themes of equality and solidarity among nations.
During the summit, David Adler, the general coordinator of Progressive International, emphasized the need to combat what he termed rising authoritarianism and fascism on the continent. He articulated a vision of reversing global power dynamics by shifting decision-making authority away from Washington, D.C., and towards developing nations in the Global South.
Statements Reflecting Anti-American Sentiment
Several speakers at the congress expressed strong anti-American sentiments. In her opening remarks, Rep. Delia Ramirez of Illinois stated, “I’m a proud Guatemalan before I’m an American.” She criticized U.S. policies, claiming that the country is “addicted to war” and prioritizes “imperialism, militarization, conquest, control, competition in its attempt at domination.” Ramirez’s mixed-status marriage, with her husband undocumented in the U.S., adds a personal angle to her comments.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas was another focal point at the summit, characterized by some speakers as genocide. Rep. Ilhan Omar, known for her vocal criticism of Israel, participated in a panel titled “Visions for the World” where she discussed the Palestinian cause. Omar was previously removed from the House Foreign Affairs Committee due to controversial remarks regarding anti-Semitism. Rep. Rashida Tlaib received a warm welcome at the congress, being praised by Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir, Colombia’s deputy minister of multilateral affairs, as a “symbol of resistance” against fascism.
Alongside Omar and Tlaib, other Democratic representatives such as Rep. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, Rep. Summer Lee of Pennsylvania, and Rep. Jesús Gilberto García of Illinois participated in the event. The offices of these lawmakers did not respond to requests for comment.
U.S. Administration’s Response
A spokesperson for the White House, Liz Huston, criticized the comments made by the attending Democrats, stating, “These Democrats’ comments are despicable and underscore their commitment to putting Americans last.” She contrasted their views with President Donald Trump‘s focus on securing peace deals and advancing American interests both domestically and internationally.
Progressive International has positioned the U.S. as a central figure in what it views as imperial violence, asserting that it has “destroyed nation after nation” in its pursuit of dominance. The organization advocates for a reduction of dependence on the U.S. among countries in the Global South, promoting closer ties with nations like China.
Adler also criticized Trump’s tariffs, labeling them as an “imperialist tool of the United States.” He noted that the Panamerican Congress would facilitate a forum for coordinating strategies against the perceived coercive policies of the Trump administration.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, representing the ruling Morena party, appeared at the event, further solidifying the alliance between the summit and the left-wing political landscape in Mexico.
In his remarks, Gerardo Fernández Noronha, president of the Mexican Senate, condemned what he referred to as “faces of fascism,” specifically targeting U.S. immigration policies that he described as unjust persecution of migrants.
The congress not only reflects the growing divide in political ideologies between parts of the Americas but also highlights the international implications of local policies and rhetoric. As these lawmakers gather to discuss strategies and solidarity, the impact of their statements and actions on U.S. foreign relations remains to be seen.
