03.02.2026 21:12
Just a few weeks after threatening military action against Colombia, U.S. President Donald Trump hosted President Gustavo Petro at the White House. Trump suggested that Petro, who continues to criticize the operation to kidnap him and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, appeared more willing to cooperate with his administration to stop the flow of illegal drugs coming from Colombia.
US President Donald Trump and Gustavo Petro met today at the White House in Washington. The meeting was the first face-to-face encounter between the two leaders after months of escalating tensions and mutual criticisms.
FIRST FACE-TO-FACE MEETING AFTER TENSE DAYS
Following the rising tensions implied by "military intervention" towards Colombia in recent weeks, Trump hosted Colombian President Gustavo Petro at the White House. At the summit, not only the two leaders but also the "hawkish" figures of the Trump administration, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, were present.
THREAT IS GONE, COOPERATION HAS COME
In a statement on Monday, Trump suggested that there was a noticeable change in Petro's stance. For Petro, who had previously harshly criticized Trump's policies alongside Venezuelan leader Maduro, Trump stated: "He seems much more willing to cooperate with our administration to stop the illegal flow of drugs."
THE RUBIO AND VANCE FACTOR
The presence of Marco Rubio and JD Vance at the meeting indicated that the US's tough stance on South American policy was on the table. Especially Rubio's known position against drug cartels and leftist governments in the region was interpreted as a signal that the pressure on Colombia would increase.
According to a report by Reuters, the meeting particularly addressed issues such as the fight against drugs, regional security, and the reshaping of relations between the two countries.
THEY HAD EXCHANGED HARSH WORDS
The two leaders had exchanged harsh words after the US's operation in Venezuela.
Trump had told Petro that he needed to "watch his back" and described Colombia's leftist president as "a sick man who loves to produce cocaine and sell it to the US."
Petro also stated in a post on X, "I had sworn never to touch a weapon again... but I will take up arms again for my homeland."