BOGOTÁ/WASHINGTON — Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Sunday firmly rejected threats from US President Donald Trump, who accused him of drug trafficking and hinted at possible military action against Colombia.
The remarks come days after a dramatic US military operation in Caracas, where American forces targeted Venezuelan military sites in an attempt to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power. Trump suggested that a similar approach could be applied to Colombia.
“He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long,” Trump said, adding that Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States.”
Trump also indicated that he would consider military intervention, claiming, without evidence, that Colombian authorities are responsible for widespread killings.
Petro Fires Back
President Petro responded decisively on social media platform X, stating:
“Stop slandering me, Mr. Trump. My name does not appear in court records.”
He criticized the US president for threatening a Latin American leader who emerged from Colombia’s armed struggle and democratic processes. Petro further condemned Washington’s recent abduction of Maduro in Venezuela, calling it “without legal basis.”
In another post, Petro added a pointed message:
“Friends do not bomb.”
Colombia Demands Respect
Colombia’s Foreign Ministry described Trump’s statements as “unacceptable interference”, emphasizing that Colombia expects respect for its sovereignty.
While the US and Colombia have long-standing economic and military ties, relations between Trump and Petro have been increasingly tense since Trump’s return to the White House. Disputes have arisen over tariffs, migration policies, and regional security initiatives.
Experts warn that repeated confrontations between the two leaders could strain bilateral cooperation, even as Colombia remains a strategic ally in South America.
