Mexico City — Fernando Cerimedo, labeled the “MAGA man” of Latin America, is known for his bold political tactics and strong social media presence, which have bolstered right-wing campaigns across the region. His career as a political consultant and co-founder of a far-right online outlet led to significant wealth and contributed to the election of Trump-aligned politicians.
The Economist dubbed him the “MAGA Man” while commentators referred to him as the “Steve Bannon of Latin America,” comparable to the longtime Trump advisor. Currently, Cerimedo, aged 45, is held in a maximum-security prison in Bolivia. He faces allegations of orchestrating a murder-for-hire scheme involving the attempted femicide of Nadia Beller, a 33-year-old Bolivian lawyer and activist, who was his pregnant mistress.
Cerimedo’s star fell dramatically after rising within Latin America’s right-wing circles. His attributes, such as boasting and exaggerating, mirrored those of his political model, President Trump. Cerimedo’s downfall acts as a case study in the adoption of Trumpian tactics in regions outside the United States, notably seen in Colombia and Germany.
Chilean journalist Daniel Matamala remarked that the fall of Cerimedo, dubbed the “King Midas of the Latin American right,” has shocked the “ecosystem of fake news, bots, trolls, and disinformation” pervading the region. Matamala noted on his podcast that Cerimedo’s name casts a shadow over the summit of the radical right.
The attempted murder of Beller took place on August 17th in Santa Cruz, eastern Bolivia. A security camera captured two assailants dressed as fast-food deliverymen, one of whom shot Beller at close range. In an interview, Beller recounted feigning death after being shot. Cerimedo was apprehended the next day as he prepared to fly to Buenos Aires.
Prosecutors allege that Cerimedo arranged the attack to prevent Beller from divulging his alleged criminal activities and abuse. She purportedly threatened to expose him, revealing Cerimedo as the father of her unborn child.
Cerimedo faces further investigations about unlawful enrichment and possible ties to cocaine trafficking, matters he denies. Prior to his arrest, journalists had begun dismantling Cerimedo’s façade, revealing fabricated claims, such as attending Harvard and working in the Obama White House.
Damian Merlo, a Miami-based consultant, dismissed Cerimedo’s claims about his U.S. connections. Despite Cerimedo’s lack of English fluency, he managed to orchestrate Argentine President Javier Milei’s interview with Tucker Carlson, propelling Milei internationally.
Cerimedo thrived in proximity to Trump-affiliated circles. He received accolades at the “Hispanic Prosperity Gala” held at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. It saw Cerimedo praised as “Hispanic Political Consultant of the Year.” From the podium, Cerimedo advocated against the return of left-wing governments.
Cerimedo held influence in several elections, including Honduras and Bolivia, aligning with Trump-backed candidates. Evidence indicates Cerimedo’s involvement in political campaigns was extensive, though unauthorized, as cited by Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz. His dubious claim of being Paz’s “chief adviser” is refuted by Paz.
Cerimedo’s entry into politics remains unclear. Media accounts indicate varied employment history involving advertising. He worked on campaigns for leftist Peronist candidates before establishing his consultancy, Numen.
His prominence began in Brazil, where he propagated false election-fraud claims following Jair Bolsonaro’s defeat in 2022, igniting mass protests. The tactic established Cerimedo’s political influence in countries like Argentina, Honduras, and Bolivia.
Cerimedo’s arrest spurred Chilean lawmakers to investigate his electoral influence. Allies like Javier Negre distanced themselves from Cerimedo, buying out ownership stakes in La Derecha Diario, a Spanish-language MAGA platform supporting right-wing leaders.
In Bolivia, Cerimedo’s case resembles a telenovela, with Nadia Beller offering interviews from her hospital bed, detailing alleged abuse. Beller claims Cerimedo lured her under false pretenses to the hotel where she was nearly killed.
Held in Bolivia’s Chonchocoro prison while awaiting trial, Cerimedo experiences the notorious facility’s harsh conditions. He publicly pleaded to see his children.
His legal representatives challenge Beller’s accusations, proposing she staged the attack. Prosecutors side with Beller, who insists Cerimedo aimed to silence her, as she could divulge incriminating knowledge.
Journalists Ana Ceballos, Andrés D’Alessandro, and Cecilia Sánchez Vidal contributed to this report from Washington, Buenos Aires, and Mexico City, respectively.