Trump Held Talks With Colombian President He Had Criticized Just Days Before

Trump and Colombian President Petro Hold Phone Conversation Amid Tensions

Photo by Luis Echeverria/Bloomberg

Donald Trump recently engaged in a phone call with Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro, a political rival he had sharply criticized just days earlier, including accusations of drug trafficking and personal attacks.

According to Trump, the two leaders addressed their differences on drug policy and other contentious issues, ultimately agreeing to meet in person in the future.

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On his Truth Social account, Trump described the conversation as a “great honor,” noting that President Petro reached out to clarify Colombia’s stance on drug-related matters and other disagreements. Trump expressed appreciation for Petro’s approach and said he anticipates meeting him soon.

Meanwhile, Petro informed supporters in Bogotá that the discussion also touched on Venezuela. The call came shortly after Trump suggested the United States might consider military action in Colombia following the apprehension of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro.

Relations between Trump and Petro have deteriorated over the past year. Last September, the United States revoked Petro’s visa after he urged military personnel to defy Trump’s directives. The U.S. government also imposed sanctions on Petro and his associates for alleged involvement in drug trafficking, and downgraded Colombia’s status as a partner in anti-narcotics efforts, signaling a significant rift between the two nations.

After their conversation, Petro remarked that opposition figures in Colombia had contributed to negative perceptions of his administration in Washington.

Sources familiar with the matter, who requested anonymity due to the private nature of the talks, said Colombia’s ambassador to the U.S., Daniel García-Peña, played a key role in arranging the call thanks to his strong connections in Washington.

According to Blu Radio, the conversation lasted about 45 minutes.

Reporting support by Courtney Subramanian.

(This article includes a statement from Petro and corrects the ambassador’s name in a previous version.)

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