Trump Talks of a 'Stronger' Colombia Tie After De la Espriella Wins
On Monday, former President Donald Trump told reporters that he believes his administration will have a “much better relationship” with Colombia now that Abelardo de la Espriella, the right‑wing challenger, appears to have won the run‑off election.
The preliminary vote count showed de la Espriella ahead by less than one percentage point, a narrow margin that still sparked a tense atmosphere. De la Espriella’s platform focuses on sharply hitting drug cartels, with promises of increased US cooperation—“stronger defense ties” and potential US bases—alongside a pledge to fight crime “within the law and constitution.”
Trump has since described the new president as “a great” leader and expressed eagerness to forge a powerful partnership. He stressed that the prior “barbs” exchanged between his administration and former president Gustavo Petro, whom he called a “sick man,” will put an end to a strained era.
Critics of de la Espriella worry that a hardline stance might revive past abuses, such as the “false positives” killings during Colombia’s long‑running conflict. In his victory speech, the candidate responded that any crackdown on drug traffickers would be carried out “legally.”
De la Espriella’s inauguration is scheduled for 7 August, which will bring a definitive pivot in the US‑Colombia relationship, according to Trump’s optimistic tone on Truth Social.
