Colombia’s outgoing president Gustavo Petro accuses Trump of intervening in his country’s election

Gustavo Petro Accuses Trump of Interfering in Colombia's Election

Outgoing President Claims U.S. Involvement in Runoff Contest

Colombia s outgoing president Gustavo Petro - Colombia’s outgoing president Gustavo Petro has publicly accused former U.S. president Donald Trump of interfering in the country’s upcoming runoff election. The vote, set to take place in two weeks, pits a far-right candidate backed by Trump against a far-left senator vying to continue Petro’s progressive policies. After the first round saw the right-wing contender secure 43.7% of the vote and the leftist candidate follow with 40.9%, Petro addressed the implications of the outcome, alleging that Washington is manipulating Colombia’s political landscape for ideological gain.

Petro’s Stance on Drug War and U.S. Policy Shift

Petro defended his administration’s approach to coca cultivation during an interview with CBS News, framing it as an economic strategy to reduce rural poverty. He contrasted this with Trump’s endorsement of his opponent, calling it a form of external influence. “The U.S. has shifted from supporting Colombia’s fight against drugs to backing forces linked to narco-paramilitary groups,” Petro argued, warning that a right-wing victory could reignite political violence and destabilize the nation’s progress. He also highlighted Trump’s support for former Honduran leader Juan Orlando Hernández, who was later pardoned for drug trafficking convictions.

“Our republics were built on freedom and sovereignty,” Petro stated, accusing the U.S. of favoring ideological alignment over shared goals. He cited Trump’s backing of Hernández as evidence of a broader campaign to undermine Latin American progressivism, including his own policies. Petro emphasized that the U.S. is now prioritizing political control over collaboration, a stance he believes threatens Colombia’s autonomy and social development.

Human Rights Groups Highlight Crime Trends Under Petro

While Petro praised his government’s efforts to curb organized crime, Colombian human rights organizations noted a rise in violence linked to criminal groups. He acknowledged increased contract killings—known as “sicariato”—but attributed the trend to historical polarization and external meddling. Despite these concerns, Petro maintained that the U.S. is using its influence to challenge his progressive agenda, particularly on issues like the Gaza conflict and drug policy reforms.

Trump’s Endorsement and Regional Political Rhetoric

Trump’s involvement in the election gained traction after his support for the far-right candidate de la Espriella became prominent. In a social media post, the former president endorsed the contender, claiming the results would shape Colombia’s future relationship with the U.S. Petro interpreted this as a deliberate effort to steer the country away from left-leaning governance, aligning with regional right-wing leaders like Hernández. He argued that Trump’s rhetoric reflects a pattern of backing candidates who prioritize conservative interests over progressive reforms.

“The U.S. is not just supporting one candidate—it’s pushing a strategy to reverse Colombia’s democratic progress,” Petro asserted. He pointed to Trump’s past actions, including revoking his visa and imposing sanctions, as part of a coordinated effort to weaken his administration. Despite these measures, Petro expressed hope for continued dialogue, emphasizing that his government remains open to cooperation with Washington on issues like human rights and economic development.

Political Tensions and Strategic Implications

The accusations have intensified political tensions in Colombia, where Petro’s leftist coalition faces a critical test in the runoff. He warned that a right-wing win could lead to a surge in political violence, echoing concerns about the country’s recent history. While the U.S. has historically supported Colombia’s anti-drug efforts, Petro claims the Trump administration is now favoring candidates with a harder line on security and economic policies, undermining the country’s path toward peace and social equity.