Trump Unveils Bold Tariffs and Cuts U.S. Aid to Colombia in Drug Trade Showdown | TNNEWS

U.S. and Colombia: Rising Tensions Over Drug Policy

U.S. Threatens Economic Measures Against Colombia

PALM BEACH, Fla. – The United States is set to reduce aid to Colombia and impose tariffs on its exports, citing President Gustavo Petro’s alleged inaction on drug production, according to President Donald Trump. This move intensifies the strain between Washington and one of its key Latin American allies.

In a social media statement, Trump labeled Petro as an “illegal drug leader” and criticized his popularity. He warned that if Petro doesn’t shut down drug operations, the U.S. will intervene, and “it won’t be done nicely.”

Escalating Rhetoric and Actions

Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump accused Colombia of being a “drug manufacturing machine” and criticized Petro as “a lunatic.” He announced plans to introduce new tariffs soon.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reported a recent U.S. strike on a vessel allegedly carrying narcotics, linked to the National Liberation Army (ELN), a Colombian rebel group. He shared a video of the boat in flames but provided no further evidence.

Petro’s Response and Defense

President Petro, known for his vocal social media presence, dismissed Trump’s accusations, asserting his commitment to combating narcotics in Colombia, the world’s top cocaine exporter. “Promoting peace is not drug trafficking,” Petro stated, suggesting Trump is misled by his advisors.

The Colombian Foreign Ministry condemned Trump’s remarks as a “direct threat to national sovereignty,” while Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez highlighted Colombia’s sacrifices in the drug war.

Potential for Broader Conflict

Trump’s comments could escalate tensions in Latin America, where the U.S. has already increased pressure on Venezuela. American military forces are active in the region, targeting drug cartels, and covert operations have been authorized in Venezuela.

Despite being a longstanding U.S. ally, Colombia faces criticism for rising coca cultivation, which reached record levels last year, according to the United Nations.

Impact on U.S.-Colombia Relations

Colombia received $230 million in U.S. aid last year, a significant decrease from previous years. Petro, Colombia’s first leftist president, has clashed with Trump over various issues, including U.S. military flights and strikes on Caribbean vessels.

Petro accused the U.S. of an attack that killed a Colombian fisherman, Alejandro Carranza, claiming it was an unjustified act of aggression.

Future of Cooperation

Despite Petro’s criticisms, his government plans to prosecute a Colombian survivor of a recent U.S. strike on a suspected drug-carrying submersible. Another survivor was returned to Ecuador without charges.

The ELN, accused of drug trafficking, denies involvement and has offered to undergo international scrutiny. Colombian authorities continue to dismantle cocaine labs and seize drugs linked to guerrillas.

Consequences of U.S. Policy

Since September, the U.S. has conducted seven strikes in the region, targeting alleged drug traffickers, resulting in at least 32 deaths. Trump criticized Petro’s attitude towards the U.S., announcing an end to financial aid and subsidies to Colombia.

Elizabeth Dickinson from the International Crisis Group warned that alienating Colombia, a key military partner, could have severe consequences, especially amid heightened tensions with Venezuela.

Further cuts in U.S. support could weaken Colombia’s military and police capabilities, impacting their ability to address security challenges.