Source: Reuters
DST News: U.S. President Donald Trump announced Sunday night that he would impose higher tariffs on Colombia and halt all financial aid to the country, deepening a growing dispute that began after U.S. military strikes targeted vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking in the region.
Earlier in the day, Trump labeled Colombian President Gustavo Petro an “illegal drug leader,” while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed that U.S. forces had destroyed a vessel tied to a Colombian rebel group. Petro rejected the accusation, asserting that the vessel belonged to a “humble family,” not insurgents, and his government denounced Trump’s remarks as offensive.
The move signaled a new low point in U.S.-Colombian relations, with Trump accusing Bogota of collusion in the drug trade. “They don’t fight drugs — they produce them,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.
Petro has repeatedly objected to U.S. airstrikes in the Caribbean, which have reportedly killed dozens and heightened regional tensions. Legal and human rights groups have also condemned the military operations as excessive.
Trump confirmed that all financial aid to Colombia would be suspended and said details about new tariffs would be announced Monday. “I’m stopping all payments to Colombia,” he declared, though it remained unclear what funding he referred to. Colombia, once a leading recipient of U.S. assistance, saw aid sharply reduced this year following the closure of USAID operations.
Currently, Colombian exports to the U.S. face a standard 10% tariff — the same baseline Trump has applied to many nations.
In response, Colombia’s foreign ministry said it would seek international backing to defend Petro and the nation’s sovereignty. “These accusations are extremely serious and an affront to the dignity of the president and the Colombian people,” the ministry stated.
Another Attack
Defense Secretary Hegseth posted on X that U.S. forces had destroyed a vessel and killed three individuals Friday in the USSOUTHCOM operational area, which includes the Caribbean. He alleged the ship was linked to the leftist National Liberation Army (ELN) and engaged in drug smuggling but provided no evidence. The Pentagon declined to elaborate beyond Hegseth’s post.
President Petro condemned the bombing, insisting the boat belonged to an ordinary family rather than the ELN. Responding to Trump’s insults, he said: “Mr. Trump, Colombia has never been disrespectful toward the United States… but you are being disrespectful and ignorant toward Colombia. I am not a businessman, let alone a drug trafficker. My heart knows no greed.”
Earlier this month, Petro alleged that one of the airstrikes had hit a Colombian vessel — a claim denied by the Trump administration. Last month, the U.S. revoked Petro’s visa after he took part in a pro-Palestinian rally in New York, where he called on American soldiers to defy Trump’s orders.
