Tensions between the United States and Colombia are escalating following recent statements made by President Donald Trump regarding Colombian President Gustavo Petro. Trump has repeatedly accused Petro of involvement in the drug trade and warned of potential consequences, even suggesting a possible military-style operation similar to the recent capture of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela.
Escalating Rhetoric
Speaking from Air Force One on Sunday, Trump stated, “Colombia is governed by a sick man, who likes to do cocaine and sell it to the United States, but he won’t be around for much longer, let me tell you.” He further claimed Petro operates “cocaine mills, cocaine factories.” The day prior, while speaking from Florida following Maduro’s capture, Trump warned Petro to “better watch his ass,” asserting he was “producing cocaine and sending it to the United States.” Similar accusations were made on December 23rd, with Trump stating Petro should “better close those cocaine factories.”
President Petro has strongly condemned the U.S. action in Venezuela, calling the detention of Maduro a “kidnapping” lacking legal basis and a violation of Latin American sovereignty. He has also repeatedly denied accusations of being involved in drug trafficking, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “My name in 50 years does not appear in the judicial files on drug trafficking, neither before nor now. Stop defaming me, Mr. Trump.” Petro attributes the attacks to retaliation for his criticism of U.S. policy regarding Gaza.
A History of Tension
The relationship between Trump and Petro has been strained since early 2025, beginning with Colombia’s decision to return a plane carrying deported migrants who were chained. Trump responded with threats of tariffs. While diplomatic channels have been used to de-escalate tensions, and military and political leaders maintain dialogue, the U.S. has increased pressure on Petro directly. In October, the U.S. Treasury Department added Petro and his family to a list associating them with drug trafficking, despite a lack of evidence.
Although reports indicate an increase in coca cultivation during Petro’s administration, these increases are linked by some to failures in the government’s peace policy and the strengthening of armed groups involved in drug trafficking, rather than direct involvement by the president. The White House, however, continues to escalate its threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What has been President Trump’s specific accusation against President Petro?
President Trump has repeatedly accused President Petro of being involved in the production and trafficking of cocaine to the United States, referring to alleged “cocaine mills” and “factories” in Colombia.
How has President Petro responded to these accusations?
President Petro has vehemently denied the accusations, stating his name has not appeared in drug trafficking investigations for 50 years and attributing the attacks to retaliation for his criticism of U.S. policy regarding Gaza.
What action did the U.S. government take against President Petro in October?
In October, the U.S. Treasury Department added President Petro and his family to a list associating them with drug trafficking, an accusation for which no evidence has been presented.
Given the increasingly hostile rhetoric and escalating sanctions, what impact might these developments have on the future of U.S.-Colombia relations?
