Washington D.C. – President Donald Trump announced Friday that he will host Colombian President Gustavo Petro at the White House next month. The announcement signals a potential thawing in relations between the two nations, following a period of heightened tensions.
The meeting, scheduled for the first week of February, comes just days after President Trump issued a strong warning to President Petro in the wake of the military action that removed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power. The shift in tone suggests a possible diplomatic breakthrough after a phone conversation between the two leaders on Wednesday.
“Looking forward to meeting with Gustavo Petro, President of Colombia, at the White House during the first week of February,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. He expressed optimism about the future of the relationship, stating, “Things will work out well for Colombia and the United States!”
However, President Trump also emphasized a key priority for his administration. “The entry of Cocaine and other drugs into the United States must be stopped!” he added, highlighting the ongoing concerns regarding drug trafficking from Colombia.
Relations between the U.S. and Colombia have been strained in recent months. In October, the United States imposed sanctions on President Petro, Colombia’s first leftist president, amid accusations of insufficient cooperation with Washington in combating drug trafficking. Senator Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State, has also publicly criticized Petro, calling him “unhinged.”
Petro, who is nearing the end of his term and is ineligible for re-election, has been a vocal critic of Trump’s policies. He has previously stated that he believes U.S. military intervention in Colombia is not just a possibility but a “real threat.” The upcoming meeting will be a crucial opportunity for both leaders to address these concerns and work towards a more stable and productive relationship. The focus on drug interdiction will likely be a central point of discussion. Analysts suggest that the success of the meeting will depend on both leaders’ willingness to compromise.
