Trump Terminates U.S. Aid to Colombia, Calls President Petro a Drug Dealer

President Donald Trump announced on March 3, 2024, the cessation of all U.S. payments and subsidies to Colombia, accusing President Gustavo Petro of failing to combat drug production in the country. During a social media post, Trump labeled Petro an “illegal drug dealer” and criticized him for promoting what he described as the “biggest business in Colombia” — the drug trade.

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 contended that despite substantial U.S. financial assistance, Petro has not made meaningful efforts to address the pervasive drug issues in the country.

In his declaration, Trump emphasized the serious implications of drug trafficking, asserting that it leads to “death, destruction, and havoc” within the United States. He firmly stated, “AS OF TODAY, THESE PAYMENTS, OR ANY OTHER FORM OF PAYMENT, OR SUBSIDIES, WILL NO LONGER BE MADE TO COLOMBIA.”

The announcement follows previous actions taken by Trump’s administration against drug trafficking operations. Just a day prior, he revealed a military operation targeting “narcoterrorists,” which included individuals from both Colombia and Ecuador. The operation reportedly intercepted a vessel carrying enough narcotics to potentially kill 25,000 Americans.

Trump noted that U.S. intelligence confirmed the boat was laden with Fentanyl and other illegal substances, resulting in the deaths of two known narcoterrorists during the operation. “The two surviving terrorists are being returned to their countries of origin, Ecuador and Colombia, for detention and prosecution,” he stated.

President Petro responded to the situation, indicating that the individual being sent back to Colombia would be prosecuted according to local laws. “We are glad he is alive, and he will be prosecuted according to the law,” Petro affirmed.

Trump’s remarks come at a time when tensions between the U.S. and Colombia are heightened, particularly regarding drug trafficking and its consequences on American communities. His strong rhetoric directed at Petro reflects a broader concern about the drug epidemic in the United States and the role of foreign leaders in addressing these challenges.

This latest development underscores the complexities of U.S.-Colombian relations, particularly in the context of drug enforcement and international cooperation. As Trump continues to advocate for a firm stance against narcotics trafficking, the implications for foreign aid and diplomatic relations with Colombia remain to be seen.