Diplomatic relations between Colombia and the United States have reached a critical point after Colombian President Gustavo Petro explicitly suggested during a Univision interview that President Donald Trump could be “taken out” if he does not change.
The remark came the day after Trump accused Petro of being “an illegal drug leader” who encourages “the massive production of drugs, in big and small fields, all over Colombia” in a Truth Social post.
He also imposed new tariffs on Colombian goods and suspended aid payments, warning that U.S. forces could intervene directly to dismantle drug cultivation sites if Colombia failed to act.
Petro’s statement, delivered during the Univision interview, marked a dramatic escalation in rhetoric, though no confirmed response has been reported from Washington.
Analysts caution that the feud could jeopardize both counter-narcotics cooperation and regional security.
The remarks followed a U.S. military strike in the Caribbean targeting a vessel allegedly used for drug trafficking.
The operation resulted in the death of Colombian national Alejandro Carranza.
Petro insisted Carranza was a fisherman, framing the strike as an illegal act that violated Colombia’s sovereignty.
Reporting from El País appears to back aspects of the U.S. administration’s position, noting that Carranza had a criminal record related to a 2015 theft of weapons from a police station, according to The Gateway Pundit.
In response to the strike, Colombia recalled its ambassador to Washington for consultations, signaling formal disapproval and highlighting the fragility of bilateral relations.
Observers note that the move reflects not only anger over Carranza’s death but also concern about the potential long-term consequences for U.S.-Colombia security and trade partnerships.
Historically, the two nations have collaborated closely on counter-narcotics efforts, making the current strain especially significant for regional stability.
Petro’s “take out Trump” remark, phrased in Spanish as “Si no, saca la Trump,” was widely interpreted in international media as “take out Trump,” though TGP notes that some outlets suggested a softer reading of “get rid of Trump.”
During the interview, Petro framed the comment as part of a broader moral appeal, describing it as “the first offramp” to achieve change.
Univision journalist Daniel Coronell reported leaving the interview “more worried than when I arrived,” underscoring the seriousness of Petro’s statement.
According to Townhall, the conflict has emerged alongside expanded U.S. anti-drug operations in the Caribbean targeting smuggling networks connected to Venezuela.
Critics warn these missions carry risks of civilian casualties and may violate international law, which forbids targeting noncombatants.
The ongoing dispute between Petro and Trump has brought these concerns into sharp relief, raising questions about how far the U.S. might intervene in Colombia and the potential diplomatic fallout.
The situation highlights the delicate balance between national sovereignty and international counter-narcotics priorities.
Both governments face pressure to maintain security cooperation while navigating an increasingly fraught diplomatic environment.
Analysts caution that missteps could destabilize trade, weaken law enforcement collaboration, and strain broader regional alliances, making resolution of the dispute a matter of urgency.
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