Trump Accuses Colombian President Petro of Being a ‘drug Trafficking Leader,’ Announces Aid Cuts
BOGOTÁ, Colombia – U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday accused colombian president Gustavo Petro of being a “drug trafficking leader” and announced an immediate suspension of all U.S. aid to Colombia. The move escalates a rapidly deteriorating relationship between the two countries, fueled by disagreements over drug policy, immigration, and U.S. support for Israel.
The accusations follow Petro’s claims that the U.S. military was responsible for the death of a Colombian fisherman, Alejandro Carranza, in a missile strike off the coast of Santa marta on October 19, 2025. Petro stated on his X account that U.S. government officials had “committed murder and violated our sovereignty in territorial waters,” asserting Carranza had no ties to drug trafficking and was simply fishing when his boat was attacked.He further claimed the Colombian vessel was adrift and sending a distress signal.
Trump,in a statement released by the White House,dismissed Petro’s allegations as “false and risky.” He alleged that Petro has long been linked to narcotics cartels and is actively obstructing U.S. anti-drug efforts. “President Petro is not a partner in fighting the drug trade; he is the problem,” the statement read.”His accusations are a desperate attempt to deflect from his own criminal activities.”
The U.S. has sunk at least six vessels in Caribbean waters as August, resulting in nearly 30 deaths, as part of a broad military deployment aimed at combating drug trafficking near the coast of Venezuela.Trump has justified these operations by stating the U.S. is in an “armed conflict” against the “posters of drugs.”
Tensions between Washington and Bogotá have been building for months. Petro has increasingly criticized Trump’s policies on immigration, the drug war, and U.S. support for Israel. The situation worsened in late September when the U.S. revoked Petro’s visa.
The suspension of U.S.aid, which totaled approximately $450 million in 2024, will considerably impact Colombia’s security forces and social programs. the aid package included funding for counter-narcotics operations, military training, and economic advancement initiatives. The long-term consequences of this decision remain to be seen, but analysts predict it will further destabilize the region and potentially exacerbate the drug trade.
