Trump‑Backed Rival Wins Colombia’s Presidential Race in Narrow Runoff

Mon Jun 22 2026 19:44:18 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Abelardo de la Espriella edges Iván Cepeda to win Colombia's presidency, signaling a right‑wing shift and a promised military crackdown.

Colombian voters delivered a narrow victory to Abelardo de la Espriella, a political outsider endorsed by Donald Trump, after 99% of ballots were counted in the runoff. De la Espriella will pursue a hard‑line strategy against illegal armed groups, drug cartels and crime, and has pledged greater cooperation with the United States. Supporters celebrated in Barranquilla, while opposition voices warned of potential unrest and questioned the legitimacy of the result. President‑elect Castro promises to uphold the constitution and build mega‑prisons in the jungle as part of a broader security drive.

Trump‑Backed Rival Wins Colombia’s Presidential Race in Narrow Runoff

In a dramatic finish, the right‑wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella has narrowly won Colombia’s presidential runoff after 99 % of the ballots were counted. De la Espriella, a lawyer and businessman who has no prior political experience, shipped a vote share of 49.7 % against the left‑leaning Iván Cepeda’s 48.7 %.

The former United States citizen, who has resided in Miami for many years, was endorsed by former President Donald Trump, who promised "law and order" and a hard‑line fight against illegal immigration, crime and drugs. Trump later posted on Truth Social, "He Won, BIG!" upon learning of the result.

De la Espriella’s victory is expected to shift Colombia’s internal security strategy. He vows to eliminate negotiations with guerrilla and cartel groups, to deploy the military in new locations, and to construct large prisons in the jungle. He aims to shrink state involvement in health and other services while asserting loyalty to the 1991 constitution.

Supporters in Barranquilla—coloured yellow football jerseys, Colombian flags and chants of "Petro out!"—celebrated the result with fireworks and high‑energy rallies. Some supporters in the city wore hats similar to those worn by American Republican supporters, adding slogans such as "Make Colombia Great Again!".

Opposition voices, including President Petro’s critics, expressed concerns about the narrow margin and the possible unrest that could arise if the result is not fully recognised. In Cali there were reports of clashes between protesters and police, with demonstrators burning US flags and police using tear gas.