Trump's Announcement on Truth Social
Former President Donald Trump announced on Sunday, October 19, 2025, that the United States would cease all aid and subsidies to Colombia. In a series of posts on his Truth Social platform, Trump labeled Colombian President Gustavo Petro an 'illegal drug leader' and accused him of 'strongly encouraging the massive production of drugs, in big and small fields' across the country. Trump stated, 'AS OF TODAY, THESE PAYMENTS, OR ANY OTHER FORM OF PAYMENT, OR SUBSIDIES, WILL NO LONGER BE MADE TO COLOMBIA.' He further warned Petro to 'better close up these killing fields immediately, or the United States will close them up for him, and it won't be done nicely.'
Escalating Tensions Over Anti-Drug Operations
This declaration marks a significant escalation in tensions between Washington and Bogotá. The move comes after President Petro's vocal criticism of recent U.S. military strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean. Petro accused the U.S. of 'murder' and violating Colombian sovereignty, specifically citing a September 16 strike that he claimed killed an innocent Colombian fisherman, Alejandro Carranza. Petro asserted that Carranza's boat was adrift due to engine failure and had no ties to drug trafficking. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, however, announced another U.S. strike on Sunday against a vessel associated with a Colombian rebel group, the National Liberation Army (ELN), claiming 'three terrorists were killed' in the operation.
Background of Disagreement and Aid
The friction between the two leaders has been building. In September, the U.S. State Department revoked President Petro's visa after he urged U.S. soldiers to 'disobey Trump's order' and 'not point their rifles at humanity' during a pro-Palestinian demonstration in New York. The Trump administration had previously accused Colombia of failing to cooperate in the drug war, noting that coca cultivation and cocaine production had reached record highs. Despite this, a waiver was issued in September to prevent immediate aid cuts. Colombia is historically a significant recipient of U.S. foreign assistance, with Congress appropriating $377.5 million for 2024 and a similar amount projected for 2025, though with some restrictions due to concerns over Petro's policies.
Colombia's Response to Trump's Accusations
President Petro swiftly rejected Trump's accusations, stating on social media that 'trying to promote peace in Colombia is not being a drug trafficker.' He described Trump as 'rude and ignorant' and suggested he was being misled by his advisors. Petro concluded, 'The problem is with Trump, not with the USA.' The Colombian Foreign Ministry characterized Trump's statement as a 'direct threat to national sovereignty,' while Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez defended Colombia's commitment, stating that the country 'has used all its capability and also lost men and women fighting drug trafficking.'
5 Comments
Muchacha
About time the US stopped funding countries that undermine us. Petro deserves this.
Bella Ciao
While concerns about coca cultivation are valid, Trump's aggressive rhetoric and aid cuts could alienate a crucial partner in the region, potentially worsening the very issues he claims to address.
Comandante
Petro's remarks about US soldiers were provocative, yet Trump's response seems overly harsh, risking a diplomatic crisis when cooperation is still vital for regional stability.
Manolo Noriega
This is reckless and dangerous. Trump is destabilizing a key ally.
Fuerza
Colombia certainly struggles with drug production, but portraying its president as actively promoting it ignores the complexities of the peace process and risks undermining genuine efforts to control the trade.