Trump Declares Colombia’s President a “Drug Leader,” Cuts Aid

BREAKING: President Donald Trump has just labeled Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro an “illegal drug leader” and announced an immediate cessation of U.S. aid to the nation. This shocking statement comes after Petro criticized U.S. military strikes against alleged drug vessels in the Caribbean, escalating tensions between the two leaders.

In a post on Truth Social earlier today, Trump accused Petro of “encouraging the massive production of drugs” in Colombia. He stated that drug production has become the country’s “biggest business” and asserted that Petro has failed to act against it. Trump declared in all caps: “AS OF TODAY, THESE PAYMENTS, OR ANY OTHER FORM OF PAYMENT, OR SUBSIDIES, WILL NO LONGER BE MADE TO COLOMBIA.”

This announcement follows accusations from Petro that the U.S. military recently struck a fishing vessel, killing a Colombian fisherman, rather than a drug boat as claimed. He described the incident as a violation of national territory and has faced increasing scrutiny regarding U.S. military actions in the region.

The U.S. has conducted multiple strikes in the Caribbean, with Thursday’s operation marking the sixth attack since last month. Trump confirmed that two survivors from a recent strike, one from Ecuador and another from Colombia, would be repatriated. However, he emphasized that Colombia’s drug trade contributes to “death, destruction, and havoc” in the United States, leading to his decision to cut aid.

“Petro, a low-rated and very unpopular leader… better close up these killing fields immediately, or the United States will close them up for him, and it won’t be done nicely,” Trump stated.

Petro has vigorously defended his administration’s efforts against drug trafficking, claiming he has been a strong opponent of the trade. In response to Trump’s remarks, he reiterated his commitment to addressing the issue and pointed to the U.S. adding Colombia to its list of nations failing to combat drug trafficking effectively for the first time in nearly three decades.

Trump’s administration recently issued a waiver allowing Colombia to continue receiving aid despite these allegations. However, the specifics of the aid cuts remain unclear, marking a significant shift in U.S.-Colombia relations, particularly under Petro’s leadership.

Petro, who made history as Colombia’s first leftist president, has clashed with the Trump administration over various issues. His criticisms have included denouncing U.S. strikes at the United Nations and encouraging U.S. military personnel to “disobey” orders from Trump, prompting the State Department to announce plans to revoke Petro’s visa.

As tensions rise, the international community is watching closely. The strikes have also drawn criticism from neighboring Venezuela, with President Nicolás Maduro accusing the U.S. of aggression while denying any ties to drug cartels.

This ongoing dispute raises crucial questions about the future of U.S. foreign policy in Latin America and the effectiveness of anti-drug initiatives. What happens next could redefine diplomatic relations in the region.