Trump, Who Called Colombia's President "Disgusting," Holds Phone Call: "Meeting Soon"

Trump Changes Stance Abruptly, Saying "I Appreciate His Call and Tone"

U.S. President Donald Trump, who had previously criticized Colombia, abruptly changed his stance and invited President Gustavo Petro to the White House.

According to the Associated Press on January 7 (local time), President Trump stated on his social networking service, Truth Social, "President Petro called me, saying he would explain the differences between our two countries, including the drug issue." He added, "I appreciate his call and his tone. I look forward to meeting him soon."

Gustavo Petro, President of Colombia. Photo by EPA Yonhap News

He continued, "U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Colombian Foreign Minister are preparing for the meeting, which is scheduled to take place at the White House in Washington, D.C."

On January 3, after carrying out an operation to oust Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, President Trump criticized Colombia, calling it a "sick country," and said, "There is a disgusting man who likes to produce cocaine and sell it to the United States, but he won't be able to do that for much longer." He also remarked that President Petro "won't be able to stay in office for long," and when asked whether he would consider a military operation in Colombia, he replied, "That's a good idea," implying the possibility of using force.

The reason behind President Trump's sudden change in attitude toward President Petro is unknown. President Trump did not disclose the details of his conversation with President Petro.

On the same day, President Petro confirmed that he had spoken with President Trump for about an hour and said they discussed two issues: Venezuela and drug trafficking. He also criticized Colombian politicians suspected of involvement in drug trafficking, claiming they spread false information about his actions, which led President Trump to turn against him. He said, "They are responsible for the current crisis between the United States and Colombia."

Colombia has traditionally been one of the United States' closest allies in Latin America. However, after President Petro, the country's first leftist leader, took office in 2022, and President Trump returned to the White House last year, bilateral relations have cooled.

Last September, when President Petro attended a pro-Palestinian protest in New York and delivered a speech condemning the United States during the United Nations General Assembly, the Trump administration revoked his visa. In addition, President Petro, his family, and close associates were placed on a sanctions list for alleged involvement in drug trafficking.