BOGOTÁ — Colombian President Gustavo Petro has renewed his public clash with U.S. President Donald Trump, this time extending a bold invitation for Trump to visit Colombia and “see the reality on the ground” in the country’s ongoing fight against drug trafficking.
Speaking at his most recent cabinet meeting, Petro announced that Colombia’s foreign minister would formally invite Trump to observe anti-narcotics operations firsthand. “Trump will decide whether or not he wants to see the reality of our fight on the ground, with the necessary security measures in place — security that will be shared with them — but he can see the reality of the fight against drug trafficking,” Petro said.
The Colombian leader acknowledged that some advisers had urged him not to continue responding to Trump, warning that further exchanges could “complicate” matters. Petro disagreed. “They tell me not to respond because it only complicates my situation further, but I believe I must explain to the people what is happening,” he insisted.
Trump, who recently criticized Colombia and suggested the country was producing multiple illegal drugs, has maintained that Petro has been “quite hostile” toward the United States. He added that he “hasn’t really thought much about him.”
Petro Pushes Back: “Trump Is Misinformed”
Petro sharply rejected Trump’s assertions, calling the U.S. president “misinformed” about Colombia’s efforts. “It’s a shame because he’s dismissing the country that knows the most about cocaine trafficking,” Petro said.
He noted that Colombian authorities have recorded over 1,446 ground battles and 12 bombings against illegal armed groups during his administration. Petro also reported the seizure of 2,700 tons of cocaine to date — a figure he said was approaching a record-breaking 4,000 tons.
Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez added that these seizures represent an estimated 30 billion doses that “did not reach the streets of consumer countries.”
Context: Venezuela, Maduro, and Petro’s Amnesty Proposal
The dispute also touches on broader regional tensions. Trump recently warned that Colombia could be “next” after U.S. pressure on Venezuela and the Nicolás Maduro regime — a comment widely interpreted as signaling potential escalations.
Petro responded by proposing a “general amnesty” for the Maduro government and the creation of a transitional administration in Venezuela.
“The Maduro government must understand that the response to external aggression is not just military mobilization, but a democratic revolution,” Petro said. “A country is defended with more democracy, not with more ineffective repression. A general amnesty is not about extending prison sentences.”
A Diplomatic Rift Deepens
The exchange adds to a growing rupture between Bogotá and Washington, with Petro insisting Colombia is committed to combating drug trafficking, while Trump continues to cast doubt on the country’s efforts.
Whether Trump will accept Petro’s invitation to visit Colombia remains unclear — but the political stakes are rising on both sides of the hemisphere.
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