Trump Cuts Aid to Colombia After Petro’s Criticism of Drug Strikes

President Donald Trump announced on October 8, 2023, that the United States would cease foreign aid to Colombia following a public dispute with Colombian President Gustavo Petro. The tension arose after Petro criticized U.S. military strikes on boats suspected of trafficking drugs, claiming that such actions amounted to murder.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump responded to Petro’s remarks by accusing him of enabling drug production in Colombia. Trump stated that Petro was “an illegal drug leader” who failed to address the rampant drug trade, which he described as “the biggest business in Colombia, by far.” He asserted that substantial payments and subsidies from the U.S. had not resulted in any meaningful action against this issue. Trump firmly declared, “AS OF TODAY, THESE PAYMENTS, OR ANY OTHER FORM OF PAYMENT, OR SUBSIDIES, WILL NO LONGER BE MADE TO COLOMBIA.”

The roots of this conflict can be traced back to a September 2, 2023, incident when a U.S. military operation sank a vessel linked to the Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua. The ensuing strikes, which continued through October, have drawn criticism from various political figures, including some members of Trump’s own party. Despite this, the Senate blocked attempts to halt the military actions, demonstrating bipartisan support for the ongoing operations against drug trafficking.

In his fiery statement, Trump emphasized the severe consequences of the drug trade, mentioning the “death, destruction, and havoc” that result from drug trafficking into the United States. He urged Petro to take immediate action to close what he termed “killing fields,” warning that the U.S. would intervene more forcefully if necessary.

Trump’s remarks came on the same day that Secretary of War Pete Hegseth released a video showcasing U.S. military strikes against suspected drug traffickers at sea. Hegseth highlighted the involvement of the three-man crew with the National Liberation Army (ELN), a designated terrorist organization.

This escalation in rhetoric and policy marks a significant shift in U.S.-Colombia relations, particularly regarding the approach to drug trafficking. Since taking office on January 20, 2025, Trump has taken a hard line against drug cartels, designating groups like the Mexican drug cartels and MS-13 as foreign terrorist organizations through an executive order.

As the situation develops, it remains unclear how this cessation of aid will impact Colombia’s efforts in combating the drug trade and the broader implications for U.S.-Latin America relations. The ongoing military actions underscore the complexities and challenges involved in addressing drug trafficking in the region, as both countries navigate their interests amidst rising tensions.