US President Donald Trump has said he plans to host Colombian President Gustavo Petro at the White House in the “near future”, marking a notable shift in tone after a period of highly charged rhetoric and diplomatic tension between the two leaders.
The announcement comes after Trump and Petro spoke by phone this week in their first direct conversation since relations between the United States and Colombia soured late last year. During the call, the leaders discussed disagreements over drug trafficking and bilateral ties, and Trump praised Petro’s “tone,” despite recent hostile comments from both sides.
A Shift From Hostility to Dialogue
Just days before the announcement of a planned White House meeting, Trump had publicly suggested that a military operation targeting Colombia “sounds good”, following a US raid in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Trump has also previously accused Petro of allowing cocaine production to flourish and used sharp language in describing Colombia’s president, including threats and derogatory comments.
However, the recent phone call between the two leaders—described as cordial and respectful—signaled an apparent attempt to de‑escalate tensions. Both Trump and Petro indicated they hope to use the upcoming White House meeting as a platform to improve diplomatic dialogue and address shared concerns, particularly around drug trafficking and regional security.
What’s Behind the Tension?
Colombia has historically been one of the United States’ closest partners in Latin America, especially in counter‑narcotics efforts. However, relations deteriorated significantly after Trump returned to office in 2025, imposing sanctions on Petro’s administration and criticizing his approach to combating the cocaine trade.
The recent US military action in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, which saw Maduro captured in a covert operation, further heightened mistrust in Bogotá, with Petro condemning the move as a violation of sovereignty.
Plans for the White House Meeting
Trump described the call with Petro as a “Great Honour” and confirmed that arrangements are being made for the Colombian president to visit Washington, D.C. in the coming weeks. No official date has been set yet.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Colombia’s foreign minister are expected to coordinate the details of the visit, which officials hope will help reset bilateral ties and improve cooperation on issues such as narcotics trafficking and regional stability.
Broader Geopolitical Context
The planned meeting occurs amid broader shifts in US foreign policy in Latin America, including ongoing controversies over military actions in Venezuela and debates within the US government about oversight of foreign military operations. A recent Senate vote progressed a measure to require congressional approval before further military action abroad, reflecting domestic concerns about executive military authority.
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