Trump Cuts Foreign Aid to Colombia After Petro’s Criticism

President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that foreign aid to Colombia would be discontinued following criticism from Colombian President Gustavo Petro regarding U.S. military strikes on boats suspected of trafficking drugs. In a post on Truth Social, Trump characterized Petro as an “illegal drug leader” and claimed that his administration’s financial support had been exploited.

The tensions escalated after Petro criticized a U.S. airstrike that targeted a vessel on September 2, 2023, which American intelligence believed was involved in drug trafficking towards the United States. Petro described the strike as an act of murder in a post on X, expressing his disapproval of the U.S. approach to combating drug trade.

In response, Trump stated, “President Gustavo Petro, of Colombia, is an illegal drug leader strongly encouraging the massive production of drugs, in big and small fields, all over Colombia.” He further claimed that this drug production has become the largest business in Colombia and accused Petro of doing nothing to combat it.

“AS OF TODAY, THESE PAYMENTS, OR ANY OTHER FORM OF PAYMENT, OR SUBSIDIES, WILL NO LONGER BE MADE TO COLOMBIA,” Trump declared, emphasizing the cessation of financial assistance. He attributed the production of drugs to a significant burden on American society, causing “death, destruction, and havoc.”

In a continued defense of U.S. military operations, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth released a video showcasing the military action against a vessel linked to the National Liberation Army (ELN), a designated terrorist organization in Colombia. The vessel’s crew was reportedly associated with drug trafficking.

Since the commencement of these operations, the U.S. military has conducted multiple strikes against suspected drug-trafficking vessels. These actions have drawn bipartisan criticism, including from some Democrats and Republican Senator Rand Paul. Despite this, the Senate blocked efforts to halt the strikes on October 8, 2023.

In a separate but related move, Trump issued an executive order shortly after taking office on January 20, 2025, designating Mexican drug cartels, the Tren de Aragua, and the Salvadoran gang MS-13 as foreign terrorist organizations. This designation reflects a broader strategy to confront transnational crime and drug trafficking.

The ongoing situation highlights the strained relationship between the United States and Colombia regarding efforts to combat drug production and trafficking. As both leaders navigate these complex issues, the implications for U.S.-Colombia relations remain significant.