President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that representatives from the U.S. and Colombia are set to meet at the White House soon.
On his Truth Social account, Trump mentioned that Colombian President Gustavo Petro reached out to discuss drug-related issues and other disagreements, indicating that their meeting is forthcoming. “I had the great honor of speaking with Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who called to explain the drug situation and other points of disagreement between us,” Trump shared. He expressed appreciation for the conversation and anticipation for the upcoming meeting.
Coordination is also in progress between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Colombia’s foreign minister, with Trump confirming that the meeting will occur at the White House.
Interestingly, this announcement comes after Trump issued a warning regarding Colombia’s president, post the U.S. military capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife over the weekend. Trump stated, “Colombia is also very sick. It’s run by a sick man who likes to make cocaine and sell it to the United States. And he’s not going to last very long. I’m telling you,” during a discussion with reporters aboard Air Force One.
When a reporter sought clarification on his remarks, Trump referred to existing “cocaine factories” in Petro’s Colombia.
He seemed to endorse military actions in Colombia, casually stating, “I think that’s a good thing,” when asked if the U.S. would engage militarily.
In response, Petro has warned that Colombia would take up arms if the U.S. decides to attack. “I’m not a military man, but I know about war and secrets,” he commented in a post on X, adding that while he had promised never to take up arms again after the 1989 peace agreement, he would reconsider if it came to defending his country.
On another note, Trump claimed that Venezuela would hand over millions of barrels of oil to the U.S. “immediately.” However, Petro countered Trump’s assertions that he is involved in drug trafficking. “I’m not an illegal alien and I’m not a drug addict,” he emphasized. He described his financial situation, clarifying that the only asset he owns is his family home, maintained with his salary, and his bank statements are public to support his claims.
Petro, who was initially part of the leftist guerrilla movement M-19 before its demobilization in the early 1990s, has condemned U.S. military actions, asserting that the U.S. has been targeting alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean.
