Trump Labels Colombia’s President a ‘Drug Leader,’ Cuts Aid

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated tensions with Colombia by labeling President Gustavo Petro an “illegal drug leader” and announcing the cessation of U.S. aid to the country. This declaration followed Petro’s accusations that the U.S. government was involved in an assassination, specifically referencing a recent military strike in Caribbean waters that he claimed killed innocent civilians.

In a social media post, Trump criticized Petro for his popularity and urged him to address drug operations within Colombia. He threatened that the United States would intervene forcefully if Petro failed to do so. “You better close up your drug operations, or the United States will close them up for you, and it won’t be done nicely,” Trump stated, sharing a video clip of a burning boat purportedly involved in drug trafficking.

President Petro, who has been vocally opposing U.S. military actions, rejected Trump’s claims and defended his administration’s efforts against narcotics. “Trying to promote peace in Colombia is not being a drug trafficker,” he asserted, suggesting that Trump was misled by his advisors. Petro characterized Trump’s remarks as “rude and ignorant” and positioned himself as “the main enemy” of drug trafficking in Colombia.

The Colombian Foreign Ministry condemned Trump’s statements as a “direct threat to national sovereignty,” suggesting that such comments imply an intent for illegal intervention. Pedro Sánchez, Colombia’s Defense Minister, emphasized that the country has invested significant resources and lost personnel in the fight against drug trafficking.

Tensions between the U.S. and Colombia have intensified, particularly following a U.S. military strike on September 16, 2025, that resulted in the death of a Colombian fisherman, Alejandro Carranza. Petro claimed Carranza had no connections to drug trafficking and described the U.S. action as an invasion, stating, “The United States has invaded our national territory, fired a missile to kill a humble fisherman, and destroyed his family.”

The strike occurred amid U.S. operations targeting alleged drug cartels in the region, which have included naval deployments and aerial strikes. Despite Colombia being one of the United States’ strongest allies in Latin America, the relationship has soured, particularly under Petro’s leadership. The U.S. provided approximately $230 million in aid to Colombia in the fiscal year ending September 30, a significant drop from prior years when assistance exceeded $700 million.

Petro has expressed his intention to boycott the upcoming U.S.-supported Summit of the Americas, further deepening the rift. The U.S. State Department has already revoked Petro’s visa, citing his comments encouraging Colombian soldiers to disobey Trump’s orders.

Analysts warn that these developments could have serious implications for U.S.-Colombia relations. Elizabeth Dickinson, a senior analyst for the Andes region at the International Crisis Group, highlighted the potential consequences of alienating Colombia at a time when tensions with neighboring Venezuela are at their highest. She noted that reducing U.S. financial support could diminish Colombia’s military capabilities in combatting the drug crisis.

The situation remains fluid, with Petro’s government continuing to pursue legal action regarding the recent U.S. strikes and their impact on Colombian civilians. As both countries navigate this escalating conflict, the future of their bilateral relationship hangs in the balance, with significant repercussions for regional stability and security.