Bogotá —
Diplomatic tensions have escalated between the United States and Colombia after U.S. President Donald Trump accused Colombian President Gustavo Petro of being a “drug dealer” and failing to curb narcotics production despite receiving substantial U.S. aid.
In a fiery response, President Petro condemned Trump’s comments as “false, insulting, and a violation of Colombia’s sovereignty.” He said,
“President Trump has been misled by lobbyists and advisers who seek to distort the truth about Colombia’s efforts to fight the drug trade.”
Trump made the allegations in a post on his social media platform, claiming that “despite billions in payments and subsidies from the U.S., drug production in Colombia continues to rise.”
Petro rejected the accusations, insisting that his administration is implementing a sustainable, environmental approach to combat narcotics — focusing on reducing cultivation while supporting local farmers through legitimate economic alternatives.
He added,
“We will not bow to pressure or threats. Colombia’s sovereignty is not for sale.”
Analysts say Trump’s comments could further strain U.S.–Latin American relations and fuel anti-American sentiment in the region, where nations have long criticized Washington’s unilateral approach to the drug war.
