On Wednesday, President Trump held a significant phone conversation with Colombian President Gustavo Petro, marking a pivotal moment in the strained relations between the two leaders. This dialogue comes in the wake of heightened tensions, with President Trump previously referring to Colombia as a "sick man" and suggesting that military action in the country "sounds good to me." The exchange signals a potential thaw in relations that have been rocky for months.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed appreciation for Petro's call and the tone of the conversation. He revealed that the two leaders are planning to meet at the White House in the near future. During the call, Petro addressed pressing issues concerning drugs and the various disagreements that have characterized their relationship. This engagement is seen as a crucial step towards restoring diplomatic ties.
In a statement, Colombia's embassy in the U.S. welcomed the constructive tone of the conversation, reaffirming the country's commitment to maintaining an open dialogue with the United States. A Colombian official familiar with the discussion described the call as "very positive," noting a dramatic shift in rhetoric from both sides. A senior Colombian official celebrated the outcome with the exclamation, "we did it!"
President Petro took to X (formerly Twitter) to share insights from the conversation, highlighting their discussions about the future of U.S.-Latin America relations. He emphasized the potential for a partnership focused on energy, supported by substantial U.S. investments. However, Petro cautioned against using the region solely for oil extraction, advocating for a more balanced approach.
The relationship between the United States and Colombia has been fraught with tension in recent months. The Trump administration has accused the Colombian government of inadequately addressing the alarming rise in cocaine production. Last year, Trump labeled Petro an "illegal drug leader," and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent imposed sanctions on Petro and his family, alleging that he has permitted drug cartels to thrive without intervention.
In response to U.S. military actions, Petro has been vocal in his criticism of the Trump administration's military buildup in Latin America. He condemned airstrikes on suspected drug boats during a speech at the United Nations in September. In a protest rally in New York, he controversially urged members of the U.S. military to disobey orders from Trump, which led the U.S. State Department to revoke his visa, labeling his rhetoric as reckless and incendiary.
The recent escalation in tensions was exacerbated by the U.S. military's operation that resulted in the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Petro condemned this move as an act of aggression, further straining the U.S.-Colombia relationship. Following the operation, Trump expressed his frustration towards Petro, stating, "Colombia is very sick, too, run by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States." He suggested that military action against Colombia could be a viable option, stating, "It sounds good to me."
This recent phone call between Trump and Petro represents a significant moment in their relationship and offers a glimpse of potential reconciliation. As both leaders prepare for a meeting at the White House, the future of U.S.-Colombia relations hangs in the balance, with the hope that constructive dialogue can pave the way for improved cooperation moving forward.