Washington, USA – The debate between US President Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart, Gustavo Petro, has intensified on social media over control of the drug trade.
US President Donald Trump announced the suspension of all US financial aid to Colombia.
Accusing his Colombian counterpart, Gustavo Petro, of “failing to combat drug trafficking”
and of being involved in facilitating its production.
Trump tweeted: “As of today, no payments or aid will be made from the United States to Colombia.”
Without specifying the type of aid covered by the decision.
This action comes after Washington officially revoked Colombia’s “counter-narcotics partner” status.
This position allowed it to receive huge financial aid from the United States.
According to official data, Colombia is the largest recipient of US aid in South America,
receiving more than $740 million in 2023.
About half went to anti-drug trafficking programs, while the rest was allocated to support humanitarian and food initiatives.
Trump is being deceived
Trump accused President Petro of “doing nothing to stop drug production,”
describing him as a “drug baron who encourages massive cocaine production.”
The Colombian president responded via X (formerly Twitter) saying, “Trump is being deceived by his advisors.”
He added, “I advise him to study the reality in Colombia well to find out who the real drug dealers are and where the Democrats stand on them.”
US decision came as cocaine production rose to record levels in Colombia.
The United Nations estimates that the country’s production reached approximately 2,600 tons in 2023,
a 53% increase over the previous year, making it the world’s largest producer of cocaine.
will not back down
The Colombian army confirmed to Agence France-Presse that its country will continue to combat drug trafficking despite the cessation of US support.
Stressing that Colombia “will not back down from its security commitments.”
Observers believe that Trump’s decision may increase diplomatic tensions between Washington and Bogota.
Especially at a time when Colombia is trying to diversify its foreign relations and strengthen its cooperation with China and Russia.
