Colombia’s Former Defense Minister Criticizes Current Government’s U.S. Relations
Juan Carlos Pinzón, the former defense minister of Colombia, has expressed serious concerns about the state of the U.S.-Colombia relationship, stating that it has “disintegrated” under President Gustavo Petro. He accuses leftist leaders of collaborating with Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, which he believes is steering Colombia toward becoming a “narcostate.”
Pinzón, who is contemplating a run for the presidency, told a news outlet that the U.S.-Colombia relationship could potentially be mended quickly. He emphasized the need for international scrutiny during Colombia’s upcoming May elections, citing increasing cartel influence and political corruption as pressing issues.
He specifically condemned President Petro for aligning himself with Maduro, describing the regime as a major force behind drug trafficking in Colombia. “This creates a dangerous environment for our country,” he said, referring to what Petro terms ‘total peace’—a policy that he feels unjustly rewards drug traffickers and organized crime.
The traditionally strong ties between Washington and Bogotá have significantly weakened under Petro, who has sought closer relations with Caracas, distancing Colombia from the U.S. and its allies in the process.
Pinzón, who played a pivotal role in Colombia’s anti-FARC operations from 2011 to 2015, has seen the deterioration of critical partnerships. During his time as ambassador to the U.S., he worked to secure Colombia’s recognition as a key ally, including advancements in military cooperation—efforts that he claims have been undone under the current administration.
With Petro’s “total peace” policy, the Colombian government is engaging in negotiations with criminal groups to resolve long-standing conflicts, but Pinzón and other critics argue that it only serves to legitimize drug cartels and undermine the security of the nation.
He articulated his concerns, noting, “Homicide rates are up, and terrorism is escalating.” This, he believes, paints a grim picture for Colombia’s future, fueling his commitment to engage in a fight against these developments.
Furthermore, Pinzón is positioning himself as a pro-American candidate for the 2026 presidential election. He indicated that an announcement regarding his decision is imminent and stressed the importance of international election monitoring to prevent criminal influences from affecting the voting process.
Amid tensions between the U.S. and Colombia after Petro’s recent accusations against the U.S. concerning an attack on a Colombian fisherman, Pinzón called for caution. He urged that the actions of the Colombian government should not impact the American people or ordinary Colombians struggling under these circumstances.
He commended President Trump’s initiatives against drug trafficking but cautioned that the military and police forces in Colombia need U.S. support to remain effective against organized crime. “Without this assistance,” he warned, “it’s the criminals who will benefit.”
Instead of blanket punishments that could impact ordinary citizens, Pinzón suggested that targeted sanctions against specific individuals involved in corruption and crime would be a more effective approach.
On the potential for restoring ties with the U.S., he noted that rebuilding the partnership should not be overly complicated, pointing to opportunities for enhanced security and intelligence collaboration, as well as education programs.
Pinzón concluded by emphasizing the broader implications for regional stability. He cautioned that if Colombia fails, the ripple effects could destabilize the entire hemisphere. “Colombia plays a critical role as a stabilizing force,” he remarked.
Discussing U.S. assistance, he expressed a desire for bipartisan support, emphasizing his commitment to fostering a strong relationship between Colombia and the United States. He also criticized Petro for neglecting Colombian nationals during diplomatic negotiations with the U.S. and indicated his willingness to collaborate on deportation issues when necessary.
Pinzón believes that a renewed, strong relationship with the U.S. would yield significant benefits for both Colombia and the American people.
The Colombian embassy has not responded to inquiries regarding these statements.
