Tensions between Colombia and the United States have escalated sharply after Colombian President Gustavo Petro labeled US President Donald Trump as “rude and ignorant” and accused him of doing “to Latin Americans what Hitler did to the Jews.”The latest flare-up follows Trump’s announcement on Sunday to end all aid to Colombia. In his statement, he called Petro, the country’s first leftist president, an “illegal drug leader,” news agency AFP reported.
Trump also threatened new tariffs and unspecified measures to “close up” drug cultivation in Colombia, the world’s leading cocaine producer, where coca cultivation has reportedly increased by about 70 percent under Petro’s administration.Colombia has historically received more US aid than any other South American country, with $740 million in 2023 alone, half of it earmarked for fighting drug trafficking.The feud between Petro and Trump dates back to January, shortly after the US leader returned to the White House.Petro criticized Washington for treating undocumented migrants “like criminals” and barred US Air Force planes transporting deportees from landing in Colombia. The dispute led to temporary trade suspensions and tense backroom negotiations. Petro has also previously compared Trump’s treatment of Latin Americans to Hitler’s crimes against Jews, underscoring his strong criticism of US policies.Feud over migration, drug policy and military cooperation:In June, Petro alleged an extreme-right plot to overthrow him, hinting at involvement from both Colombian and American actors, prompting both countries to recall their diplomatic envoys. Relations deteriorated further when Washington decertified Colombia as an ally in the fight against drugs and Bogota halted arms purchases from its largest military partner.Petro has also clashed with the US over his outspoken criticism of Israeli policies and the Gaza conflict. In late September, he joined a pro-Palestinian street rally in New York during the UN General Assembly, urging US soldiers to “disobey” Trump’s orders. The State Department called these actions “incendiary” and revoked Petro’s US visa.Trump ends aid, recalls ambassador; Bogota also pulls back envoyThe recent confrontation began after Petro accused US forces of killing an innocent fisherman in Colombian waters. In response, Trump announced the end of aid and recalled the American ambassador. Bogota also called back its ambassador, further straining relations.Interior minister Armando Benedetti described Trump’s threat to forcibly end drug cultivation as “a threat of invasion or military action against Colombia.”US warships have been deployed off the South American coast since August, conducting strikes against at least seven vessels alleged to be running drugs to the United States. According to the Trump administration, at least 32 people have died in these operations. Petro has accused Trump of murder and violating Colombia’s sovereignty.In an interview with Univision, Petro said he trusted US democratic institutions to “put science and truth above slander, arrogance and greed,” adding that Trump “does not like free men because he wants to be king.”Relations between the two historic allies are now at their lowest point in decades, with tensions fueled by disputes over migration, the war on drugs and military cooperation.
