On Tuesday, President Trump expressed his endorsement for Abelardo de la Espriela, the leading conservative candidate in Colombia’s upcoming presidential runoff on June 21.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump highlighted De la Espriela’s attributes as a “smart, strong and tough leader,” and congratulated him on winning the first round of the 2026 presidential election where 13 candidates participated.
De la Espriela is a lawyer and businessman known for his pro-Trump stance and runs as an outsider backed by conservative advocacy groups. He secured 43.74% of the vote, with the nearest competitor, leftist Sen. Iván Cepeda from the ruling Historical Pact Coalition, receiving 40.90%.
Both candidates will compete in the runoff on June 21, where Colombian voters will choose the next president as Marxist President Gustavo Petro prepares to step down in early August.
Trump stated that he believes De la Espriela would thrive as president, focusing on economic growth, job creation, trade, halting illegal immigration, combating crime and drug issues, and restoring law and order. He also called De la Espriela’s opponent a “radical leftist Marxist.”
“The results of this election are crucial for Colombia’s future and our bilateral relationship with the United States,” Trump remarked.
“I am privileged to extend my complete support to Abelardo due to his impressive achievements and political backing for me. ‘El Tigre’ Abelardo de la Espriela will not disappoint the wonderful people of Colombia!” he added.
At age 47, De la Espriela aims to implement security and economic strategies similar to those of Trump, Javier Milei from Argentina, and Nayib Bukele from El Salvador if he wins. His proposals include tackling narco-terrorism, addressing gang violence, and cutting state expenditures, akin to Milei’s policies in Argentina.
The conservative candidate publicly expressed gratitude towards Trump for his backing, describing him as “a leader of true strength and conviction.” He recognized the longstanding sisterhood between the U.S. and Colombia, rooted in shared values.
If elected, De la Espriela plans to mend U.S.-Colombia relations, which have soured under Petro’s administration due to the latter’s critical stance towards Trump. He assured that both countries’ national security priorities align against narco-terrorism, which he sees as a destructive force.
Outgoing President Petro criticized Trump’s endorsement in a social media post, arguing that “freedom dies when one nation meddles in another’s affairs.” He encouraged Colombians to vote freely and resist becoming subservient.
Petro reminded citizens of their historical struggles against oppression, citing significant figures like Simón Bolívar and Antonio Nariño as symbols of their fight for sovereignty.
He warned that if the primary center of freedom falters, it would lead to a global loss of hope.
Petro has publicly supported other candidates, promoting leftist platforms among Colombians abroad, including those in the U.S. He previously urged voters to support the Democratic Party during the 2020 election and openly regretted that Colombians in Florida did not back Joe Biden.
While Petro has raised allegations of election fraud favoring Cepeda, international observers have recognized the integrity of Colombia’s election processes. Cepeda himself has stated that his campaign found no evidence supporting claims of fraud.
