The relationship between Washington and Bogotá has reached a boiling point. President Donald Trump of the United States launched a scathing critique against Colombian President Gustavo Petro, labeling him “a drug trafficking leader encouraging massive drug production across various Colombian regions.” Trump fired off this accusation on the social media platform Truth, where he also declared an immediate halt to all U.S. financial aid and subsidies to the South American nation. This announcement was further echoed by the White House on Facebook.
"Petro is not doing anything to stop it, despite U.S. payments and subsidies, which are nothing but a long-term scam. From today, these payments will cease," Trump asserted. "If he doesn't shut down the drug extermination fields, the United States will do it for him, and it won't be done kindly," he warned.
In response, the Colombian leader took to X (formerly Twitter) to accuse Trump of being “misled by his advisors.” Petro suggested, “I recommend he takes a closer look at Colombia to see where the narcos are and where the democrats are.”
This exchange escalated shortly after U.S. forces bombed a submarine in the Caribbean Sea, part of the so-called "war against the cartels." Washington claimed the vessel was transporting drugs from Venezuela; however, Petro argued the attack occurred in Colombian territorial waters, resulting in a Colombian and an Ecuadorian among the survivors.
Petro decried the incident as a violation of national sovereignty and demanded explanations from the U.S. government. Concurrently, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced a seventh unauthorized military operation targeting a purported “ELN drug boat,” bringing the death toll in these operations to 33.
The verbal clash between Trump and Petro reignites a diplomatic conflict that already involves Colombia's decertification in the drug war, the revocation of Petro's visa, and a growing strain in a historically crucial relationship for regional security.
Frequently Asked Questions about Trump and Petro's Diplomatic Clash
What led to the tension between Trump and Petro?
The tensions rose after Trump accused Petro of being a drug trafficking leader, leading to a halt in U.S. financial aid to Colombia and a series of military actions in the region.
How did Colombia respond to the U.S. submarine bombing?
Colombian President Petro claimed the attack violated Colombian sovereignty and demanded explanations from the U.S., while highlighting that the submarine was in Colombian waters.
What are the implications of the diplomatic conflict?
The conflict could lead to a further deterioration of U.S.-Colombia relations, impacting regional security and ongoing cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking.