Trump appoints Bernie Navarro U.S. Ambassador to Peru despite fraud probe and no Diplomatic experience
President Trump’s controversial pick for U.S. ambassador to Peru, Bernie Navarro, faces serious questions over fraud investigations and lack of diplomatic experience, setting the stage for a diplomatic shakeup with high stakes.
Miami businessman and political donor Bernie Navarro was nominated by President Donald Trump to be the U.S. ambassador to Peru, which has stirred controversy since he lacks diplomatic experience and is being investigated for fraud. Navarro, the founder of Benworth Capital, has been involved in the effort to make rules on unlicensed real estate lenders in Florida, stating there were worries regarding mortgage fraud and money laundering.
Navarro's appointment has been raising eyebrows as he has no diplomatic or government experience. His experience in politics includes being Florida finance chair for Senator Marco Rubio's 2016 presidential campaign. His appointment is criticized as showing a pattern of political patronage rather than merit-based appointments.
Trump’s Peru envoy pick linked to mortgage law change for personal gain
The scandal is also fueled by Navarro's involvement in a legislative effort to redefine "mortgage" in Florida law that critics contend was designed to benefit his own business ventures. Emails obtained by Politico show that Navarro lobbied for the change, which was inserted stealthily by state Senator Anitere Flores without public discussion.
Navarro defended his actions, claiming the mortgage industry is full of unlicensed lenders and that his actions were intended to bring more regulation to the business. He argued that the regulation would prevent money laundering in real estate transactions through shell companies.
Navarro’s Peru appointment raises concerns over business ties and suitability
Despite these explanations, the necessity and reason for the proposed legislative changes have been questioned by some legal practitioners and players in the industry. They argue that the changes could have the unintended consequence of affecting genuine real estate investors and small businesses.
Trump announced on Truth Social Bernie Navarro as the next U.S. Ambassador to Peru, highlighting his finance and education expertise. Photo: Donald Trump Truth Social account
As Navarro prepares to assume his diplomatic post in Peru, doubts remain about his suitability and the implications of his appointment. Observers will be watching closely to see how his business background and political connections influence his activities as ambassador.
