President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the United States will cease foreign aid to Colombia following remarks made by Colombian President Gustavo Petro regarding U.S. military strikes on drug-trafficking vessels. In a post on Truth Social, Trump condemned Petro’s criticism of the U.S. actions, which included a strike on a boat suspected of trafficking drugs to the U.S.
Petro had accused the United States of “murder” in a post on X that referenced the strikes, asserting that U.S. military actions have resulted in significant loss of life. Trump responded sharply, stating, “President Gustavo Petro, of Colombia, is an illegal drug leader strongly encouraging the massive production of drugs.” He claimed that drug production has become Colombia’s most profitable enterprise, and accused Petro of failing to take action against it despite substantial financial support from the U.S.
In his social media communication, Trump declared, “AS OF TODAY, THESE PAYMENTS, OR ANY OTHER FORM OF PAYMENT, OR SUBSIDIES, WILL NO LONGER BE MADE TO COLOMBIA.” He further criticized Petro’s leadership, describing him as “low rated and very unpopular,” and warned that the United States would take matters into its own hands if Colombia does not address the drug problem effectively.
U.S. Military Operations Against Drug Traffickers
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth released a video on Sunday showing the U.S. military’s targeting of a vessel linked to drug trafficking. The boat’s crew was reportedly associated with the National Liberation Army (ELN), a Colombian terrorist organization. This military action is part of a series of operations that began on September 2, 2023, when U.S. forces sank a boat carrying members of the Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua (TdA).
The strikes have not been without controversy. They have drawn criticism from various political figures, including some Democrats and Republican Senator Rand Paul from Kentucky. Despite the dissent, the Senate blocked a proposal to halt these military actions on October 8.
Trump’s administration has taken a hardline stance against drug cartels, designating groups such as Mexican drug cartels, TdA, and the Salvadoran gang MS-13 as foreign terrorist organizations shortly after he took office on January 20, 2025.
As the situation continues to evolve, the implications of Trump’s decision to cut aid will likely be felt in both Colombia and the broader region, affecting ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and associated violence.
