Trump Dismisses De-Escalation Efforts with Colombia Amid Tensions
White House officials have confirmed that President Donald Trump is not interested in de-escalating tensions with Colombian President Gustavo Petro, as diplomatic relations between the two nations continue to deteriorate over U.S. counter-narcotics operations. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt informed reporters during a White House briefing that Trump is not interested in making peace with Petro, who has been labeled an ‘unhinged’ leader by the administration. The tensions escalated after Petro accused the U.S. of killing innocent fishermen during strikes targeting narco-traffickers in the Caribbean, which prompted Trump to announce plans to cut off all counter-narcotics aid to Colombia and impose new tariffs. Trump has also threatened to take ‘very serious action’ against Petro and his country, accusing him of leading Colombia into a ‘death trap’ through its drug production. This has led to Petro threatening to sue Trump in U.S. court and seek closer ties with Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has launched eight strikes on vessels believed to be transporting narcotics, with Trump suggesting potential action against Venezuelan soil, including targeting Maduro directly or indirectly. The Colombian Embassy in Washington has attempted to ease tensions by stating that recent meetings with Petro reaffirmed a commitment to cooperation against drug trafficking.