Diners enjoy meals at a food establishment in the Historic Center of San Salvador on July 22, 2026. Few Salvadorans doubt that security is the greatest asset of the country that subdued the gangs. However, their concerns now center on the economic future and the austerity measures President Nayib Bukele is implementing as "bitter medicine." (Photo by Marvin RECINOS / AFP via Getty Images)

Lilian Hernandez cooks at her home in San Marcos, on the outskirts of San Salvador, El Salvador, on June 1, 2026. Few Salvadorans doubt that security is the greatest asset of the country that subdued the gangs. However, their concerns now center on the economic future and the austerity measures President Nayib Bukele is implementing as "bitter medicine." (Photo by Rudy QUIROZ / AFP via Getty Images)

Aerial view of the city of San Salvador, El Salvador, on June 22, 2026. Few Salvadorans doubt that security is the greatest asset of the country that subdued the gangs. However, their concerns now center on the economic future and the austerity measures President Nayib Bukele is implementing as "bitter medicine." (Photo by Rudy QUIROZ / AFP via Getty Images)

Lilian Hernandez measures the blood pressure of her elderly mother at their home in San Marcos, on the outskirts of San Salvador, El Salvador, on June 1, 2026. Few Salvadorans doubt that security is the greatest asset of the country that subdued the gangs. However, their concerns now center on the economic future and the austerity measures President Nayib Bukele is implementing as "bitter medicine." (Photo by Rudy QUIROZ / AFP via Getty Images)

Aerial view of the city of San Salvador, El Salvador, on June 22, 2026. Few Salvadorans doubt that security is the greatest asset of the country that subdued the gangs. However, their concerns now center on the economic future and the austerity measures President Nayib Bukele is implementing as "bitter medicine." (Photo by Rudy QUIROZ / AFP via Getty Images)

People walk through a commercial area in San Salvador on July 22, 2026. Few Salvadorans doubt that security is the greatest asset of the country that subdued the gangs. However, their concerns now center on the economic future and the austerity measures President Nayib Bukele is implementing as "bitter medicine." (Photo by Marvin RECINOS / AFP via Getty Images)

A chicken vendor works at her stall in the Central Market of San Salvador, El Salvador, on June 1, 2026. Few Salvadorans doubt that security is the greatest asset of the country that subdued the gangs. However, their concerns now center on the economic future and the austerity measures President Nayib Bukele is implementing as "bitter medicine." (Photo by Rudy QUIROZ / AFP via Getty Images)

A sign advertising Salvadoran national dish pupusas -thick, hand-made corn or rice flatbreads stuffed with savory fillings- is displayed outside a food stall in San Salvador, El Salvador, on June 1, 2026. Few Salvadorans doubt that security is the greatest asset of the country that subdued the gangs. However, their concerns now center on the economic future and the austerity measures President Nayib Bukele is implementing as "bitter medicine." (Photo by Rudy QUIROZ / AFP via Getty Images)