The US President along with Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising tensions in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump hinted at similar armed intervention against Bogotá, stating Colombia faces serious problems and “run by a sick man involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way tied to the business.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia was historically a key ally of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have worsened significantly since Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Response
Upon being questioned if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have denounced the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa after he urged US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and various key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
