Colombia’s President Petro Escalates Rhetorical Clash with Trump, Raising Economic Concerns
BOGOTA – Colombian President Gustavo Petro is locked in a deepening war of words with former U.S. President Donald Trump, a dispute that is fueling political polarization within Colombia and raising concerns about potential economic repercussions. The escalating tensions come as Mr. Petro’s approval rating hovers below 40 percent.
the conflict stems from Trump’s recent criticisms of Petro and accusations regarding alleged ties between the Colombian president and drug cartels – claims echoed this week by former Colombian presidents Alvaro Uribe and Andres Pastrana,who have demanded clarification from Petro.
While the substance of the dispute remains largely rhetorical, experts warn of tangible consequences. Gimena Sanchez of the washington Office on Latin America, a rights association, stated that “the crisis benefits no one,” and that reduced cooperation between Washington and Bogota would be detrimental to both nations.
Colombia’s security establishment appears wary of Petro and generally favors continued close ties with the United States, raising the possibility of internal friction. More immediately, a deterioration in relations with the U.S. could considerably impact the Colombian economy. Nearly a third of Colombian exports are destined for the United States, according to official data.
“The implications of Washington’s message cannot be ‘taken lightly’,” warned Maria Claudia Lacouture, president of the Colombo-American Chamber of Commerce. Sectors notably vulnerable include oil, coffee, flowers, iron, and ferronickel.
Javier Diaz, head of the National Association of Foreign Trade (Analdex), expressed concern about growing uncertainty among businesses, urging the activation of “diplomatic channels.”
The situation is further complicated by Colombia’s existing free trade deal with Washington. Beyond the economic risks, observers note that Washington’s strong rhetoric is exacerbating existing political divisions in a country still grappling with the legacy of decades of internal conflict.
