Colombia-U.S.Tensions Ease as Petro Meets with McNamara Amidst Trump Trade Threat
BOGOTÁ – A meeting between Colombian President Gustavo Petro and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s Senior Advisor for the Americas, Daniel McNamara, appears to have momentarily stalled a rapidly escalating crisis between the two nations, tho the threat of U.S. trade sanctions remains. The meeting occurred as President Donald Trump has sharply increased pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro regime and leveled accusations of drug trafficking against Petro himself, leading to a suspension of U.S. aid to Colombia.
The dispute stems from recent U.S. military actions in the Caribbean, including at least seven missile attacks on ships allegedly transporting drugs, and Petro’s subsequent accusation that a Colombian fishing boat was mistakenly hit by the U.S. during these operations “presumably” within Colombian waters. Trump responded by calling Petro “a drug trafficking leader” who ”encourages the mass production of drugs” and announcing the suspension of all aid, with a decision on tariffs expected Monday – a decision that has yet to be announced.
During a Monday interview,Petro avoided directly addressing his position on Venezuelan President Nicolás maduro,rather offering a past overview of Colombian-Venezuelan relations and the challenges faced by oil-dependent economies. He also referenced what he described as “contempt” for “traitors” calling for intervention in Venezuela,a clear reference to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.
While details of the conversation between McNamara and Petro remain scarce, sources indicate Petro intends to use the meeting to present demands rather than seek concessions. Colombia now awaits further announcements from Trump, while simultaneously preparing for the declaration of the second instance ruling in the trial of former President Álvaro Uribe Vélez, convicted in July of witness tampering. The ruling is expected Tuesday, coinciding with the selection of a presidential candidate by Petro’s political movement.
